Public Key Based Device Identification in Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless networks face challenges in securing information transmission due to the broadcast nature of electromagnetic waves, requiring effective authentication and privacy measures.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that generate an identification based on a public key of an asymmetric key pair for devices, incorporating this identification into information units, such as MAC frames, to securely authenticate devices and prevent unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If public keys are used for device authentication in wireless networks, then security and authentication reliability are improved, but device complexity and processing overhead increase due to the large size of public keys
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary identifying portion from the complete public key. Instead of using the entire public key for authentication identification, the system extracts a subset of key elements that are sufficient for device identification and authentication purposes, thereby reducing the data size and processing complexity while maintaining authentication reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the public key into multiple parts, where only a portion is used for device identification in wireless communications. This segmentation allows the system to use the minimal necessary key material for authentication while keeping the complete key pair secure and intact for cryptographic operations
2Ease of operation
If public keys are truncated or hashed to reduce size, then processing efficiency and ease of operation are improved, but collision risk increases which may affect authentication reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using only a portion of the public key (through truncation or hashing) for device identification purposes. This partial use of the key material provides sufficient uniqueness for authentication while significantly reducing processing overhead and improving operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary process (truncation or hashing function) that transforms the complete public key into a condensed identification form. This intermediary transformation reduces the key size for processing while maintaining the unique identifying characteristics necessary for authentication, balancing efficiency and reliability
3Reliability
If identification parameters are varied to prevent collisions and protect privacy, then security and privacy protection are improved, but device complexity increases due to parameter management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic identification where the identification derived from the public key can vary based on different parameters or contexts. This dynamic approach allows the same device to present different identification forms in different situations, enhancing privacy protection and collision prevention while managing complexity through systematic parameter variation
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure provide a method. The method includes generating an identification based on a public key of an asymmetric key pair for a device, including the identification into an information unit to identify the device as a source of the information unit and transmitting the information unit.