RJ45 Connector Encryption Using Signal-Powered Cryptography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ethernet cables are vulnerable to eavesdropping attacks as they are unsecured, allowing attackers with physical access to intercept data transmitted through them.
Innovation Solution
The integration of energy storage devices and cryptography processors within RJ45 connectors of Ethernet cables, which harvest power from data signals to encrypt and decrypt data, ensuring secure communication between connected devices using symmetric key cryptography.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If Ethernet cables are used for efficient communications, then communication speed and efficiency are improved, but security against eavesdropping attacks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing encryption of data signals before they are transmitted through the Ethernet cable. The encryption is performed in advance at the source device, ensuring that even if an attacker intercepts the signal during transmission, the data remains protected. This resolves the security vulnerability of traditional Ethernet cables while maintaining communication efficiency.
2Reliability
If encryption devices are integrated into Ethernet connectors, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the encryption functionality directly into the existing Ethernet connector structure. By integrating the encryption device within the connector housing and utilizing the existing electrical contacts and conductors, the design avoids adding separate complex encryption hardware. This combining approach enhances security while minimizing increases in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The Ethernet connector is designed to serve multiple functions: traditional data transmission and the new encryption/decryption operation. The same electrical contacts and conductors used for data signaling are also utilized for power harvesting to energize the encryption device, making the connector a multi-functional component that reduces overall system complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If power harvesting circuits are added to connectors, then energy autonomy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power harvesting circuit is integrated into the existing Ethernet connector structure, allowing the same electrical contacts to serve dual purposes: data transmission and power harvesting. By utilizing the existing conductors and electrical interface for both data and power functions, the design achieves energy autonomy without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides seamless encryption and decryption of data within Ethernet cables, enhancing security by protecting against eavesdropping attacks without requiring additional user configuration, and ensuring the authenticity of transmitted data through authenticated encryption.
Implementation Method 1
a first energy storage device... configured to power the first cryptography processor
Implementation Method 2
harvest power from data signals transmitted through the first connector, by rectifying the data signals to produce a rectified signal, and using the rectified signal to charge the first energy storage device
Data Source
AI summary
A cable having a first connector electrically coupled to the first end of the cable, where the first connector includes a first energy storage device and a first cryptography processor, and a second connector electrically coupled to the second end of the cable. The second connector includes a second energy storage device and a second cryptography processor. The first energy storage device is configured to power the first cryptography processor for encrypting transmission data transmitted through the first connector over the cable to the second connector, and for decrypting reception data received by the first connector over the cable from the second connector. The second energy storage device is configured to power the second cryptography processor for encrypting transmission data transmitted through the second connector over the cable to the first connector, and for decrypting reception data received by the second connector over the cable from the first connector.