Secure Routing via Physical Node Location Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current position-based routing technologies prioritize efficiency over security, making networks vulnerable to cyber attacks like man-in-the-middle attacks, especially in location-aware sensor networks, where data packets can be routed outside defined constraints.

Innovation Solution

A method for secure routing that uses the physical locations of network nodes to enforce security constraints, employing satellite geolocation techniques and network ping ranging measurements to authenticate node locations and ensure data packets are routed through qualified nodes that meet specified geographic and security criteria.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If position-based routing is used to optimize network route efficiency, then productivity is improved, but security deteriorates due to vulnerability to cyber attacks and inability to enforce geographic constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork route efficiencyVSAvoidnetwork security
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the routing parameters by incorporating geographic location coordinates and security constraints into the routing decision process. Instead of using only traditional efficiency metrics, the system evaluates nodes based on their physical locations, trusted status, and compliance with geographic boundary constraints, thereby achieving both efficiency and security

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary authentication mechanism that verifies the physical location of network nodes using satellite geolocation techniques and network ping ranging measurements. This intermediary verification layer ensures that only authenticated nodes within authorized geographic regions can participate in data transmission, resolving the security vulnerability without compromising routing efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If traditional routing methods are used without location verification, then ease of operation is maintained, but security deteriorates as data packets can be routed outside defined geographic constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverouting operation simplicityVSAvoidgeographic constraint enforcement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service routing where network nodes automatically perform location verification and security authentication without requiring manual intervention. Nodes independently verify their own and neighboring nodes' locations through satellite geolocation and ping ranging, then autonomously make routing decisions based on geographic constraints, maintaining operational simplicity while ensuring security compliance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If satellite geolocation techniques and network ping ranging measurements are implemented to authenticate node locations, then security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenode location authenticationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by using satellite geolocation techniques and network ping ranging measurements for multiple purposes: initial node authentication, ongoing location verification, and geographic constraint enforcement. This universal approach consolidates multiple security functions into a unified system, reducing overall complexity despite the advanced techniques employed

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

Data Source

PatentEP2974455B1Secure routing based on the physical locations of routers
Publication Date: 2020.01.15 THE BOEING CO
  • EP2974455B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2974455B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2974455B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A system, method, and apparatus for secure routing based on the physical location of routers are disclosed herein. The disclosed method for secure data transmission of at least one data packet through a plurality of network nodes involves defining a source network node, a destination network node, and at least one security constraint, which is based on the physical location of at least one of the network nodes. The method further involves comparing available network nodes with the security constraint(s) to determine which of the available network nodes meet the security constraint(s) and, thus, are qualified network nodes. Additionally, the method involves determining a route comprising at least one of the qualified network nodes to route the data packet(s) through from the source network node to the destination network node. Further, the method involves transmitting the data packet(s) through the route of the qualified network node(s).