Passive Out-of-Band Network Interfaces on Shared Twisted-Pair Cabling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network security systems face challenges in addressing malware and network intrusions, with redundant networks being costly and under-utilized, and existing monitoring techniques are vulnerable to exploitation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an out-of-band (OOB) network using passive interface devices on shared twisted-pair cabling, allowing the OOB network to operate independently and invisibly from the primary network, using centertap transformers to inject and extract signals without interfering with the primary network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a redundant network is implemented to improve network security, then network reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to duplicate equipment and connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the primary network and out-of-band network into a single shared infrastructure using common twisted-pair cabling. The passive interface devices allow both networks to coexist on the same physical medium, eliminating the need for separate duplicate cabling and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining redundancy for security purposes
Solution Approach 2:
The twisted-pair cable infrastructure serves dual purposes: carrying both primary network traffic and out-of-band communications simultaneously. The passive interface devices enable this multi-functionality by allowing the same physical medium to support multiple network functions without interference, reducing the need for dedicated separate infrastructure
2Reliability
If a redundant network is implemented to improve network security, then network reliability is improved, but cost increases due to duplicate equipment and connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the primary and out-of-band networks onto shared twisted-pair cabling, eliminating the need to purchase and install separate duplicate cabling infrastructure. This consolidation significantly reduces material costs while maintaining the security benefits of network redundancy
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating full physical copies of network infrastructure, the patent uses passive interface devices that allow the out-of-band network to effectively 'copy' the existing twisted-pair cabling infrastructure for its own use, avoiding the need to duplicate expensive physical resources
3Reliability
If network monitoring is implemented to detect attacks, then network security is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable when attackers identify weaknesses in the monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary out-of-band communication channel that operates independently from the primary network. This intermediary channel allows for secure monitoring and control functions without being part of the potentially compromised primary network, providing an additional layer of security that cannot be exploited through primary network vulnerabilities
4Reliability
If passive interface devices are used to inject OOB signals onto shared cabling, then network security and redundancy are achieved, but signal interference may occur with primary network communications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using specific frequency allocations and signal characteristics for out-of-band communications that are distinct from primary network traffic. The passive interface devices are designed to inject OOB signals with specific properties that allow them to coexist on the shared medium without causing harmful interference to primary network operations
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The OOB network provides redundant security without additional infrastructure costs, maintaining operation even if the primary network is compromised, and supports high data rates with low overhead, enhancing network reliability and security.
Implementation Method 1
The first OOB passive interface device may be configured to receive second communications protocol signals from the first OOB network node and inject the second communications protocol signals onto the twisted-pair cable with the first communications protocol signals
Implementation Method 2
The second OOB network node may be configured to receive and extract the injected second communications protocol signals from the twisted pair cable
Data Source
AI summary
A communications system includes a primary network communicating in accordance with a first communications protocol an out-of-band (OOB) network communicating in accordance with a second communications protocol. The primary network includes first and second primary network nodes, which are connected via a twisted-pair cable. The first primary network node is configured to transmit first communications protocol signals on the twisted-pair cable to the second primary network node. The OOB network includes first and second OOB network nodes, which are connected to the twisted-pair cable via a first OOB passive interface device connected between the first primary network node and the second primary network node. The second OOB network node is connected to the twisted-pair cable via a second OOB passive interface device connected between the first and second primary network nodes.