Secure Network Address Encryption Using GPS Time

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Solution Overview

Problem

Commercial wireless networks lack protection for over-the-air transmitted RF signals, unlike military networks, and existing solutions do not enable secure communication between closed commercial and isolated networks.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that encrypts and decrypts network addresses using a GPS time and pseudo random number, enabling secure communication between closed commercial and isolated networks by transmitting network packets through multiple communication channels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If commercial wireless networks use standard encryption methods, then end-user data security is improved, but over-the-air RF signal protection is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveend-user data securityVSAvoidover-the-air RF signal vulnerability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the address information into multiple components (encrypted address, hash value, counter) that are distributed across different parts of the data packet. This segmentation prevents eavesdroppers from reconstructing the complete address information even if they intercept individual packet components, thereby protecting over-the-air RF signals while maintaining data security

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary hashing mechanism that transforms the original address into a hashed representation. This intermediary step ensures that the actual address never appears in plaintext over the air, providing RF signal protection while still enabling reliable delivery through the hash-based address resolution mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If military wireless networks implement full encryption, then both data security and RF signal protection are achieved, but interoperability with commercial devices is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRF signal protectionVSAvoidinteroperability with commercial devices
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by implementing encryption and hashing only for specific critical fields (address information) rather than encrypting the entire data packet. This selective approach provides military-grade protection where needed while maintaining compatibility with standard commercial wireless protocols for the rest of the data transmission

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter representation of address information from plaintext to encrypted/hash-based format. This parameter transformation enables the system to achieve military-level security for address fields while the overall packet structure remains compatible with commercial wireless standards, enabling interoperability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If address information is transmitted in plaintext, then routing simplicity is maintained, but security against eavesdropping is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverouting simplicityVSAvoideavesdropping vulnerability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary hashing and encryption of the address information before the data packet is transmitted over the air. This preliminary action ensures that even though the routing process remains simple, the address information is already protected in encrypted form before exposure to potential eavesdroppers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the mechanical approach of transmitting plaintext addresses with a cryptographic substitution system. Instead of relying on the simplicity of plaintext routing, the system uses automated encryption and hashing mechanisms that maintain routing efficiency while eliminating eavesdropping vulnerabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3468240B1A system and method for secure communication
Publication Date: 2021.09.29 THE BOEING CO
  • EP3468240B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3468240B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3468240B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system and methods for secure communication are disclosed. A network packet comprising encrypted network address comprising an unencrypted network address encrypted by a first GPS time and a first pseudo random number is received. The encrypted network address is decrypted using the first GPS time and the first pseudo random number to provide the unencrypted network address. The network packet is transmitted based on the unencrypted network address.