Secure MAC Header Layout for Parsing Without Full Encryption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing secure MAC header designs do not specify the format for transmission without encryption, which is critical for 3rd party parsing and overhead minimization, and fail to consider separate design requirements for management and data frames.
Innovation Solution
A secure MAC header format is proposed that encrypts specific fields while ensuring 3rd party parsing capabilities by maintaining certain fields in unencrypted form, minimizing overhead, and addressing separate design needs for management and data frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the MAC header is fully encrypted to enhance security, then security is improved, but third-party devices cannot parse the frame for filtering, NAV setting, and classification
Solution Approach 1:
The MAC header is divided into encrypted fields and unencrypted fields. The encrypted fields contain sensitive information that requires security protection, while the unencrypted fields contain information needed for frame filtering, NAV setting, and classification. This segmentation allows both security and parseability to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the MAC header have different encryption states. Specifically, certain fields are encrypted while others remain unencrypted, allowing third-party devices to access necessary information without compromising overall security. This local differentiation of quality (encrypted vs. unencrypted) resolves the contradiction.
2Ease of operation
If the MAC header is fully unencrypted to enable third-party parsing, then ease of operation is improved, but security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The MAC header is segmented into encrypted and unencrypted portions, allowing third-party devices to parse the unencrypted fields for frame filtering and classification while the encrypted fields remain protected. This resolves the contradiction by providing selective accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Different fields within the MAC header have different accessibility qualities. The unencrypted fields are accessible to third-party devices for parsing operations, while the encrypted fields maintain security. This local quality differentiation enables both parsing capability and security to coexist.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate MAC header formats are designed for management and data frames to meet specific requirements, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The MAC header format is segmented into common fields and type-specific fields. The common fields remain consistent across management and data frames, while type-specific fields are only present when needed. This reduces overall complexity while maintaining adaptability for different frame types.
Solution Approach 2:
The MAC header structure is dynamic rather than static. Fields are conditionally present or absent depending on the frame type and specific requirements. This dynamic structure allows the header to adapt to different frame types without requiring completely separate formats for each type, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
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AI summary
This disclosure describes systems, methods, and devices related to secure MAC header. A device may generate a frame comprising a secure medium access control (MAC) header. The device may cause to send the frame to one or more STAs.