Secure Remote Device Configuration via Signed Files
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturers face significant costs and resource consumption in managing multiple stock keeping units (SKUs) of electronic devices due to the need for certification compliance with various regulatory standards, requiring secure configuration of device parameters that cannot be easily altered once set.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for securely configuring devices using a location-based configuration file, where a device identity is linked with its location to obtain a signed configuration file, validated to generate a validated configuration file, ensuring compliance with regional regulatory constraints, allowing devices to configure themselves upon activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If device parameters are hardwired or stored in non-volatile memory before shipping, then regulatory compliance and certification are ensured, but manufacturers must maintain a large number of SKUs for different configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configuration by storing device parameters in rewritable non-volatile memory (e.g., FLASH) instead of hardwired or read-only storage. This allows the device to change its configuration parameters remotely after deployment, enabling a single physical device to adapt to different regulatory requirements and device families without requiring multiple pre-configured SKUs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the state of device parameters from fixed to mutable by using rewritable memory and remote configuration protocols. Configuration files containing device parameters can be updated over-the-air, allowing the same hardware to operate under different regulatory standards and device families by simply changing the stored parameter values, thus eliminating the need for multiple SKUs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If device parameters are stored in rewritable memory for flexibility, then fewer SKUs are needed, but the risk of unauthorized alteration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies digital signatures to configuration files before they are transmitted to the device. The manufacturer signs the configuration data with a private key, and the device verifies the signature using the corresponding public key. This preliminary cryptographic validation ensures that only authorized configuration changes are applied, preventing unauthorized alterations while maintaining the flexibility of rewritable memory.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a verification feedback mechanism where the device checks the digital signature of received configuration files before applying any parameter changes. This feedback loop ensures that only authenticated and authorized configurations are written to the rewritable memory, maintaining security and reliability while allowing flexible reconfiguration.
3Reliability
If manufacturers maintain multiple SKUs for different device families and standards, then certification requirements are met, but resource consumption and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal device platform that can serve multiple device families and regulatory standards through a single reconfigurable hardware design. By combining rewritable memory with remote configuration capability, the same physical device can be certified for multiple standards and device families, eliminating the need to manufacture and stock multiple specialized SKUs for different configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic adaptation to different device families and regulatory requirements through remote configuration updates. Instead of maintaining static, pre-configured SKUs for each device family, the manufacturer can remotely reconfigure devices to match different standards and specifications, significantly reducing inventory complexity and resource consumption while maintaining certification compliance.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, the present invention is a method for providing a secure remote configuration. The method includes obtaining a signed configuration file (S-CF) from a storage using a device identity of the device, wherein the device identity of the device is linked with a location of the device. A validated configuration file (V-CF) is then generated using the S-CF. At least one device parameter is then configured using the V-CF. In another embodiment, the present invention is a method for providing a signed configuration file (S-CF) to the device. The method includes processing a request for an S-CF from the device, wherein the request comprises a device identity of the device. A location of the device is then determined using a location database and the device identity of the device. A configuration file (CF) for the location of the device is then obtained from a storage. An S-CF is then generated using the CF. The S-CF is then provided to the device.