Network Path Verification via Cryptographic Header Attestation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large-scale networks, verifying the integrity of data packet transmission paths is challenging due to independent routing decisions made by network routers, which can lead to tampering and fraudulent modifications of network headers, compromising security and trust in credentials.
Innovation Solution
A method where each node in the transmission path adds and cryptographically secures its identity information to the data packet header, allowing subsequent nodes to verify the path and detect any inconsistencies or tampering, thereby ensuring the integrity and authenticity of the data packet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If independent routing decisions are made by network routers based on load balancing and cost considerations, then network efficiency and adaptability are improved, but the risk of tampering and fraudulent modifications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The source node performs preliminary action by embedding its identity and cryptographic credentials in the data packet header before transmission. This allows subsequent nodes to verify the packet's origin and integrity without restricting routing decisions, resolving the contradiction between routing flexibility and path integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through cryptographic verification at each hop. Intermediate and destination nodes verify the packet header against expected credentials, providing continuous feedback on path integrity. This enables adaptive routing while maintaining reliability through verification loops.
2Reliability
If cryptographic verification of each hop is implemented, then path integrity and security are improved, but processing overhead and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial verification action by requiring cryptographic checks only at intermediate and destination nodes, not at every single hop. The source node performs the heavy cryptographic embedding once, and subsequent nodes perform verification. This reduces overall complexity while maintaining path integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The data packet carries its own verification credentials embedded by the source node. Each node can independently verify the packet's authenticity using these self-contained credentials without requiring external verification services, reducing system complexity while ensuring reliability.
3Reliability
If cryptographic credentials are embedded in packet headers, then authentication and anti-spoofing are improved, but packet size and transmission overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses disposable cryptographic tokens embedded in packet headers that are verified once and then can be discarded or invalidated. These lightweight cryptographic objects provide strong authentication without requiring large credential stores, balancing security with minimal packet size increase.
Data Source
AI summary
A data packet transits through a series of network nodes (a series of intermediate hops) while being transmitted from a source node to a destination node. A network node (router, gateway, server, or any network device) that handles the data packet, adds new information to the file header of the data packet. The new header information identifies the previous and next network nodes in the transmission path. The network node further validates information provided by a previous node, and generates further new header information that attests as to the validity of the information provided by the previous node. The network node secures and signs the new information cryptographically, and adds the new information to the file header. If a malicious actor attempts to tamper with the data packet, or routing thereof, the secured header information renders such tampering discoverable, enabling performance of a responsive action.