NFV SDN Network-to-Network Interfaces for Secure Cross-Network Orchestration

The patent introduces Hardware Trust (HWT) modules as intermediary security components embedded in network devices. These HWT modules act as mediators that validate cryptographic keys and certificates between MANO orchestrators and SDN controllers across network boundaries, enabling secure communication without requiring rigid pre-configured interfaces. The HWT modules perform mutual authentication and key validation, providing both flexibility in network configuration and security in data transmission.

The patent changes the security parameters from static, pre-configured interface credentials to dynamic cryptographic validation using HWT modules. Instead of relying on fixed interface definitions, the system uses changing cryptographic parameters including public key infrastructure (PKI), digital certificates, and dynamic key exchange mechanisms. This allows the interface to adapt to different network configurations while maintaining security through continuous cryptographic validation.

The HWT modules perform self-validation and self-authentication without requiring complex external security infrastructure. Each HWT module automatically validates its own cryptographic credentials and the credentials of communicating partners using embedded trust anchors and public key verification. This self-service approach simplifies implementation by eliminating the need for centralized security management systems while providing robust security validation across network boundaries.