Protocol Translation Intermediary for CAI to DLI OTAR Migration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication networks face challenges in providing application or over-the-air rekeying (OTAR) services between subscriber units employing different protocols, such as common air interface (CAI) OTAR and data link independent (DLI) OTAR, as these systems require replacement of infrastructure and subscriber units when migrating between protocols, which is costly and undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that enable subscriber units operating with a first protocol, such as CAI OTAR, to communicate with a communication network employing a second protocol, like DLI OTAR, by converting key management messages and encapsulating them with a preamble specific to the second protocol, allowing seamless communication and key management services across different protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If subscriber units employing CAI OTAR protocol are migrated to a system with DLI OTAR protocol, then protocol compatibility is improved, but infrastructure replacement cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protocol translation intermediary that converts CAI OTAR messages into DLI OTAR messages. This intermediary acts as a mediator between the two different protocols, allowing CAI OTAR subscriber units to communicate with DLI OTAR key management facilities without requiring infrastructure replacement. The translation process includes converting message formats, handling different data structures, and mapping protocol-specific functions between the two standards.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple protocols are supported on the same channel, then system versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the protocol handling functionality into separate translation modules. Each protocol (CAI OTAR and DLI OTAR) has its own dedicated translation component that converts messages to a common intermediate format. This segmentation allows the system to support multiple protocols without creating a complex monolithic protocol handler, as each protocol can be processed independently through its specific translation path.
Data Source
AI summary
Application service is provided for a subscriber unit (SU), employing a first protocol, in a communication network employing a second protocol. The method includes receiving a CAI OTAR message from the SU. The CAI OTAR message includes at least a key management message (KMM) and a CAI header of the SU. The method then includes determining that the first protocol employed by the SU is different from the second protocol associated with the communication network based on the received CAI OTAR message. The method further includes creating a key management message (KMM) preamble, associated with the second protocol, based on at least one of the CAI header and configuration information of the SU, and creating a data link independent (DLI) OTAR message associated with the second protocol. The DLI OTAR message includes the received KMM. The method finally includes encapsulating the DLI OTAR message with the created KMM preamble, and sending the encapsulated DLI OTAR message to a key management facility (KMF) unit operating at a second protocol.