Satellite Spot Beam Authentication for Secure Receiver Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing authentication methods in electronic communication and network security are inadequate in detecting unauthorized access, particularly as they often fail to determine the origin of cyber attacks, and rely on non-dynamic identity verification techniques that are vulnerable to interception and brute force hacking.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for authenticating a claimant using satellite-based spot beam transmissions, where distinctive beam parameters and location identifiers are compared to a known valid data set, with the claimant being authenticated if the location is within a threshold distance of an expected geographic location at a corresponding time, employing pseudo-random code segments and multi-phased antenna arrays for dynamic beam generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If existing non-dynamic authentication methods (passwords, pins) are used, then implementation is simple, but systems become vulnerable to interception and brute force hacking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of implementationVSAvoidsecurity vulnerability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms static authentication credentials into dynamic authentication data by using satellite spot beam parameters (beam ID, time stamp, location identifier) that change continuously based on the user's geographic location and time. This dynamic nature prevents interception and brute force attacks while maintaining ease of implementation through automated satellite signal processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the authentication parameters from fixed values (passwords, pins) to variable parameters derived from satellite signal characteristics including beam ID, time stamp, and location identifier. These parameters naturally change with the user's position and time, providing security without complicating the authentication process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If existing authentication methods are used, then the system is easy to operate, but the ability to detect and locate unauthorized access origins is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoidability to detect attack origin
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces satellite spot beam parameters as an intermediary that inherently contains geographic location and time information. The beam ID, time stamp, and location identifier serve as mediators that automatically provide attack origin detection capabilities without adding operational complexity for users

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The authentication data is segmented into distinct components (beam ID, time stamp, location identifier) that can be independently verified. This segmentation allows the system to detect and locate unauthorized access origins by analyzing specific parameter mismatches while maintaining ease of operation through automated verification

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If dynamic satellite-based authentication is implemented, then security is enhanced and attack detection is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The satellite system provides self-service authentication by automatically generating and transmitting spot beam parameters that contain all necessary verification information. The user's device simply needs to capture and forward these parameters, eliminating the need for complex authentication servers or manual verification processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The satellite spot beam parameters serve multiple functions simultaneously: they authenticate the user, provide geographic location verification, include time synchronization, and enable attack origin detection. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating multiple security functions into a single authentication mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2641355B1Spot beam based authentication of a satellite receiver
Publication Date: 2021.03.10 THE BOEING CO
  • EP2641355B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2641355B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP2641355B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

In one embodiment, a method to authenticate a claimant comprises receiving, from the claimant, at least one of a set of beam data from a spot beam transmission, comparing the claimed at least one set of beam data to a known valid data set, and authenticating the claimant when a difference between at least one set of beam data and the known valid data set is less than a threshold.