Remote Cluster Enrollment Using TPM Authentication Policies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems require a trusted administrator's physical presence to enroll new devices into a network cluster, which is time-consuming and burdensome, especially when the administrator is remote.
Innovation Solution
A target device initiates an authentication process with a cluster enrollment system, determining enrollment policies and criteria to join the cluster without manual administrator intervention, using TPM authentication and external data sources for verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical presence of administrator is required for device enrollment, then security authentication is ensured, but time consumption and operational burden increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an automated enrollment system that acts as an intermediary between the device and the administrator. This system uses TPM-based authentication and policy evaluation to automatically verify device credentials and enroll devices without requiring physical administrator presence, thus maintaining security while reducing time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-authentication using its TPM module and self-enrolls by presenting credentials to the automated enrollment system. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual administrator intervention while maintaining authentication security through cryptographic verification
2Reliability
If manual administrator intervention is used for enrollment, then authentication control is maintained, but device complexity and operational effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically performs authentication and enrollment operations using its TPM module. The automated enrollment system evaluates policies and completes enrollment without manual intervention, reducing operational complexity while maintaining authentication control through automated policy enforcement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical authentication processes with automated cryptographic verification using TPM. The automated enrollment system substitutes human administrator actions with machine-based policy evaluation and credential verification, reducing operational complexity while maintaining security control
3Productivity
If automated enrollment is implemented, then time efficiency and operational ease improve, but authentication security requirements become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The device's TPM module is pre-configured with authentication credentials during manufacturing. The automated enrollment system has pre-defined policies for evaluating device credentials. This preliminary preparation enables rapid automated enrollment while maintaining security through pre-established cryptographic verification mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the authentication parameter from manual credential verification to automated cryptographic verification using TPM. This parameter change enables high-speed automated enrollment while maintaining security through hardware-based cryptographic operations, effectively managing the complexity-security tradeoff
Data Source
AI summary
A cluster enrollment system remote to a device cluster performs a cluster enrollment process according to a cluster enrollment policy to determine whether a target device is authenticated to join the device cluster.