Secure Remote Credential Installation for Video Conferencing Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Video conferencing devices connected to private networks face security risks due to untrusted IT professionals having access to authentication credentials, and existing methods for remote installation are insecure and require on-site access.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using port-based network access control with a RADIUS server and authenticating network switch to securely install authentication credentials on remote video conferencing devices without revealing them to untrusted entities, enabling secure remote configuration over the Internet or WAN, utilizing 802.1x authentication protocols and encrypted communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If local IT professionals are allowed to view authentication credentials to install them on video conferencing devices, then the installation process becomes easier and more accessible, but security risks increase as untrusted entities may gain unauthorized access to the private network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an authentication credential service as an intermediary between the RADIUS server and the video conferencing device. This service acts as a secure mediator that receives credentials from the RADIUS server, validates them, and installs them on the remote device without exposing credentials to local IT professionals. The intermediary ensures that credentials are never viewed by untrusted entities while still enabling automated installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the authentication credential service to automatically retrieve, validate, and install credentials on remote video conferencing devices without human intervention. The service autonomously communicates with the RADIUS server, authenticates devices, and provisions credentials, eliminating the need for local IT professionals to manually handle sensitive credential information.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If authentication credentials are transmitted and stored in encrypted form, then security is improved, but the complexity of the authentication system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the authentication system into distinct functional components: the RADIUS server for credential generation, the authentication credential service for credential management and validation, and the video conferencing device for credential storage and use. Each component handles encryption and decryption of specific credential types appropriate to its function, distributing cryptographic complexity across multiple specialized modules rather than concentrating it in a single complex system.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If remote device identification is validated against previously stored identifiers, then unauthorized device access is prevented, but the authentication process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing device identifiers in the authentication credential service before actual authentication occurs. When a video conferencing device connects, its identifier is quickly matched against the pre-stored list, enabling rapid validation. The credential service maintains a database of authorized device identifiers, allowing O(1) lookup time rather than requiring complex real-time verification procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for installing authentication credentials on a remote network device. A remote network device without valid authentication credentials may be connected to a port of an authenticating network switch, and the authentication protocols of the port may be enabled. A Network Access Control (NAC) credential service validates the remote network device comparing a received remote device identifier against a previously stored remote device identifier. The received remote device identifier may be received from the remote network device using a network when the remote network device attempts to access a private network. The NAC credential service disables the authentication protocols of the port in response to validating the received remote device identifier. The NAC credential service installs authentication credentials on the remote network device using encrypted data, so an untrusted entity cannot view the authentication credentials.