Network Node Authentication via Operating Parameter Comparison

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ensuring the authenticity and integrity of network nodes in communication networks, particularly in heterogeneous environments with both analog and digital components, while preventing potential attacks like DoS and unauthorized data feeding, without impairing regular communication.

Innovation Solution

A network node monitors operating parameters of other nodes, compares them with reference parameters to generate authentication indicators, which are then distributed to determine successful or failed authentication, allowing or preventing data transmission based on a majority consensus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If authentication mechanisms are implemented to verify network node authenticity, then security is improved, but communication overhead and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork securityVSAvoidauthentication system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-authentication where network nodes automatically verify each other's authenticity using operating parameters without requiring external authentication servers or manual intervention. Each node monitors its own operating parameters and generates authentication indicators independently, eliminating the need for complex centralized authentication infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses changes in operating parameters (such as processing speed, memory usage, power consumption) as the basis for authentication. By monitoring whether these parameters remain within expected ranges, the system can verify node authenticity without complex cryptographic protocols, simplifying the authentication mechanism while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If continuous monitoring of operating parameters is performed for authentication, then authentication accuracy is improved, but energy consumption and processing load increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic monitoring of operating parameters at predetermined time intervals rather than continuous monitoring. This approach maintains authentication accuracy by regularly checking parameter values while significantly reducing energy consumption and processing load compared to continuous monitoring, as the system only needs to sample parameters at specific intervals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If strict authentication verification is enforced, then network security is improved, but communication efficiency and usability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication securityVSAvoidcommunication efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial authentication by monitoring only critical operating parameters rather than all possible system states. This selective approach provides sufficient security verification for normal communication operations while avoiding the overhead of comprehensive authentication, thus maintaining communication efficiency. The system performs authentication only to the extent necessary to ensure security without impeding regular work communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3471369B1Network node for generating an authentication indicator
Publication Date: 2020.04.15 BUNDESDRUCKEREI GMBH
  • EP3471369B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3471369B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3471369B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a network node (100) for generating an authentication indicator. The network node (100) comprises a communication interface (101) configured to receive an operating parameter of another network node via a communication network, wherein the operating parameter of the other network node represents an operating state of the other network node. The network node (100) further comprises a memory (103) configured to store a reference operating parameter of the other network node, wherein the reference operating parameter represents a reference operating state of the other network node.The network node (100) further comprises a processor (105) configured to compare the operating parameter with the reference operating parameter to obtain a comparison result and to generate the authentication indicator based on the comparison result, wherein the authentication indicator indicates a successful authentication of the further network node by the network node or a failed authentication of the further network node by the network node.