Secure Communication Networks Using Packet Visa Authentication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network protocols are vulnerable to attacks from malicious actors, both external and internal, due to a lack of inherent authentication mechanisms, making it difficult to secure communication within and between organizations with heterogeneous environments.
Innovation Solution
A secure communication system (SNS) utilizing a selective network system (SNN) with agents, adaptors, and secure channels, enforcing policies through visas associated with packets to ensure only authenticated agents can communicate, and using a visa service and admin service to manage and enforce these policies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional network protocols are used to allow all connected users and devices to communicate, then network accessibility and ease of operation are improved, but security and reliability deteriorate due to lack of authentication mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication and policy enforcement actions before allowing communication. Visas are issued in advance to authenticated agents, and these visas are then enforced on packets before transmission. This preliminary authentication ensures that only authorized communication occurs while maintaining network accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication system between communication parties. The visa service and policy enforcement mechanisms act as mediators that verify agent identities and control packet flow. This intermediary layer provides security without preventing legitimate communication.
2Reliability
If firewalls are configured to protect against outside attacks, then security is improved, but network communication flexibility and adaptability worsen due to restricted access
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic policy enforcement where visa requirements and packet handling rules can change based on current conditions. The policy enforcement component adapts its behavior based on visa validity, agent authentication status, and network conditions, allowing flexible security control rather than static firewall rules.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes security parameters dynamically through visa issuance and revocation. Instead of fixed firewall rules, the security posture is adjusted by modifying visa validity periods, scope, and conditions. This allows the system to maintain security while adapting to changing communication needs.
3Reliability
If authentication mechanisms are implemented to secure communication, then reliability and security are improved, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The visa mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it authenticates agents, controls packet flow, enforces policies, and provides audit trails. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate systems into a single unified mechanism, reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The policy enforcement component operates autonomously by automatically validating visas and enforcing policies without requiring manual intervention for each communication event. The system self-regulates security based on pre-configured policies and visa conditions, reducing operational complexity.
4Reliability
If monitoring and auditing tools are used to detect attacks, then security response capability is improved, but loss of time and productivity worsen due to continuous monitoring overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs security verification in advance by issuing visas before communication occurs. This preliminary authentication means that security checks are completed before data transmission begins, rather than requiring continuous monitoring during communication, thus reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
Once visas are issued and agents are authenticated, the system allows rapid communication to proceed without continuous security checks. The pre-established visas enable packets to skip repeated authentication steps, allowing fast communication while maintaining security through the initial visa validation.
Data Source
AI summary
A secure communication system enabling secure transport of information is disclosed. The system comprises a secure network with one or more packet processing units connected by links through an internal communication system. The secure network transports packets of information between credentialed and authenticated agents. Each packet is associated with a visa issued by a visa service. The visa specifies the procedures governing the processing of the packet by the packet processing units as it is transported along a compliant flow, between agents thorough the network, according to a set of policies specified in a network configuration. Packet processing units include docks and forwarders. Adaptors serving the agents communicate with the network through tie-ins to docks. The system also includes and admin service, accessible to one more admins, that facilitates configuration and management of the network.