Network Endpoint Security Layer for Legacy Device Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic systems face challenges in flexibility and security due to application-specific requirements, leading to costly and difficult updates, especially in distributed systems where legacy devices may not be compatible with newer standards, and there is a need for secure communication and reconfigurability.
Innovation Solution
A network system with end-points and a controller that communicate using unique hardware identifiers and encryption keys, providing secure and adaptable communication by filtering and encrypting data, and translating protocols to ensure compatibility across different devices and software languages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If custom connectors and cabling are used for distributed components, then secure communication and device compatibility are improved, but system cost, weight, size, and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal endpoint interface that can communicate with multiple different device types using a single standardized connection. The endpoint device includes a communication interface that supports multiple protocols and a processing system that can translate between different device protocols, eliminating the need for custom connectors for each device type while maintaining secure communication capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The endpoint device acts as an intermediary between the network system and various legacy devices. It includes protocol translation functionality that converts between different communication protocols, allowing legacy devices to communicate securely through a standardized interface without requiring custom cabling or connectors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If legacy devices are integrated into the network system, then system adaptability and flexibility are improved, but security consistency and protocol compatibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The endpoint device serves as a security intermediary that all legacy devices must pass through to access the network. It implements encryption and authentication functions, ensuring that even devices with outdated security protocols communicate securely through the endpoint's modern security mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical security mechanisms (such as hardware-based authentication in legacy devices) with software-based security implemented at the endpoint. This includes encryption/decryption functions and authentication protocols that work across different device types, modernizing security without requiring legacy device hardware changes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If redesign of legacy components is performed to meet new standards, then protocol compatibility and security are improved, but development cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the protocol translation and security functions from the legacy devices themselves and places them in the endpoint device. This allows legacy devices to remain unchanged while still achieving protocol compatibility and security compliance through the endpoint's translation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The endpoint device creates virtual representations of legacy device interfaces through software emulation. It can mimic the communication protocols and data formats of legacy devices, allowing modern network infrastructure to interact with legacy devices without physical redesign of the legacy components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If frequent updates and modifications are made to distributed components, then system flexibility and functionality are improved, but qualification testing requirements and deployment complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The endpoint device is designed as a universal platform that can support multiple device types and protocols through software configuration rather than hardware changes. Updates to supported protocols or device types can be deployed as software updates without requiring physical requalification of hardware components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic reconfiguration of endpoint capabilities through software updates. The processing system can load new protocol handlers, encryption algorithms, or device drivers without hardware modification, enabling frequent updates without triggering extensive requalification testing.
Data Source
AI summary
A network end-point communicates, to a controller, a unique hardware identifier that is associated with a first end-point. The network end-point receives from the controller a first encryption key that is uniquely matched to a decryption key privately held by a second end-point. The network end-point then receives device data from a first device in direct communication with the first end-point. The network end-point communicates the device data to the second end-point, wherein the device data is encrypted using the first encryption key.