Remote Central Node for M2M Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machine to machine (M2M) communication systems lack a centralized oversight mechanism, leading to potential unsecure or undesirable communications, and there is a need for a system that supports a large number of M2M devices while ensuring compliance with industry standards.
Innovation Solution
A network architecture that includes a remote central node (RCN) for managing and authenticating nodes within the network, using frequency signatures and additional authentication methods to verify node identity before enabling communication, and employing a communication network protocol to ensure interoperability and secure data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a centralized oversight mechanism is introduced to ensure secure M2M communications, then security and compliance are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Central Authentication Service (CAS) as an intermediary component that mediates between M2M devices and the network. The CAS verifies device identities, manages authentication credentials, and controls communication permissions centrally, thereby improving security without requiring complex security logic in each individual device. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by centralizing security functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system architecture is segmented into distinct functional components: M2M devices, Central Authentication Service, and Network Gateway. Each component has specialized responsibilities - devices focus on communication, CAS handles authentication, and the gateway manages network protocols. This segmentation allows the security function to be improved through the dedicated CAS while keeping individual device complexity low.
2Reliability
If authentication mechanisms are implemented for all nodes, then communication security is improved, but communication overhead and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication actions by pre-registering M2M devices with the Central Authentication Service before they join the network. Device identities, credentials, and communication permissions are established in advance. When devices connect to the network, the CAS can quickly verify their authenticity using pre-configured information, significantly reducing authentication time compared to real-time verification of raw device identities.
3Reliability
If a centralized node controls M2M communications, then security and compliance are improved, but the advantage of direct peer-to-peer communication is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The Central Authentication Service acts as a lightweight intermediary that only intervenes when necessary for authentication and authorization. Once devices are authenticated, the system enables direct peer-to-peer communication between M2M devices without requiring the CAS to mediate every data transmission. This approach maintains security compliance through initial authentication while preserving the efficiency of direct communication for actual data exchange.
4Quantity of substance
If the system supports a large number of M2M devices, then device quantity capacity is improved, but network management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Central Authentication Service is designed as a universal system that handles authentication, authorization, device registration, and credential management through a single unified interface. This multi-functional approach allows the system to support a large number of diverse M2M devices with different protocols and requirements through standardized authentication procedures, reducing network management complexity despite the high device quantity.
Data Source
AI summary
A network of nodes supporting machine to machine (“M2M”) communication within the network is provided. Each of a plurality of nodes within the networks may be in an inactive communication state prior to authentication. The authentication may be performed by a remote central node (“RCN”). The RCN may be configured to control authentication and communication between nodes in the network. The RCN may perform one, two or more methods of authentication to securely authenticate each node. Following authentication, the RCN may generate network protocol for data payloads transmitted within the network. The RCN may further be configured to store data transmitted between nodes and maintain or delete the data based on a level of privacy that may be tagged to the stored data.