Network User Identification via Unique Packet Embedding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network security models are inadequate for identifying and authenticating users at the network layer, leading to vulnerabilities that allow anonymous attackers to breach high-profile internet services, causing significant damage and compromising user credentials.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves including unique identification information in network layer packets, independent of network addresses, allowing for secure verification and authentication of user entities at the network layer, enabling secure access control and reducing the need for traditional password-based authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional IP address-based security models are used, then network communication is simple and compatible, but user identity verification is insufficient and security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds a user identity module within the network layer packet structure, nesting the unique identification information inside the existing IP packet framework. This allows user identity verification to be integrated into the fundamental network communication protocol without requiring separate authentication systems, thereby improving reliability while managing complexity through hierarchical integration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional IP address-based identification to three-dimensional identification by adding the user identity dimension. Network packets now carry both source/destination IP addresses and unique user identification information, enabling verification across multiple dimensions simultaneously. This resolves the contradiction by providing robust identity verification without completely redesigning the network model
2Reliability
If application-specific user identity authentication is implemented, then user identity can be verified, but multiple credentials must be managed and security breaches can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal user identity system that operates across all applications and network services. By implementing user identification at the network layer rather than the application layer, a single user identity can authenticate across multiple applications simultaneously. This eliminates the need for users to manage separate credentials for each service, improving ease of operation while maintaining strong authentication through the unified network-level verification mechanism
3Reliability
If network layer user identification is implemented, then security is enhanced and access control is improved, but network packet structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the identification function into separate components: IP address handling remains at the traditional network layer while user identity information is placed in dedicated fields within the packet structure. This segmentation allows security enhancement through user identification without fundamentally complicating the overall packet structure, as each component maintains its own simplified processing rules
Data Source
AI summary
A method of identifying and authenticating a network user includes receiving a first network layer packet from a first user entity. The first network layer packet may include first unique identification information unique to the first user entity and independent of a first network address associated with the first network layer packet. The method further includes verifying, at a network layer of a network, that the first network layer packet is from the first user entity based on the first unique identification information.