Secure UWB Ranging via MAC Layer Authentication and Delayed Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultra wideband (UWB) ranging techniques lack security and privacy, as message exchanges occur at the physical layer, making it vulnerable to unauthorized access and unable to minimize turn-around time effectively.
Innovation Solution
Implementing secure ranging using ternary-IR or time-hop-IR sequences, where a first device transmits a range packet and a second device responds after a delay time known only to both devices, with the delay time being randomly selected and encrypted, and using manipulated preambles to ensure privacy and authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional UWB ranging techniques are used with message exchanges at the physical layer, then fast turn-around time is achieved, but security and privacy are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a MAC layer as an intermediary between the physical layer and upper layers. This MAC layer performs authentication and security functions, acting as a mediator that enables private ranging while maintaining fast turn-around times. The MAC layer handles the security-critical operations without blocking the fast physical layer response mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary authentication and security setup at the MAC layer before ranging operations occur. Devices establish secure relationships and exchange necessary security parameters in advance, so that subsequent ranging exchanges can proceed quickly without compromising security. This preliminary action resolves the contradiction by preparing security mechanisms beforehand.
2Reliability
If authentication is performed at the MAC layer before ranging, then security is improved, but turn-around time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Authentication and security setup are performed as preliminary actions before ranging operations. Devices establish secure relationships, exchange authentication credentials, and configure security parameters in advance through MAC layer operations. This allows subsequent ranging exchanges to proceed quickly without repeated authentication delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the ranging process into distinct phases: security setup phase (MAC layer operations) and ranging execution phase (physical layer operations). By separating these functions, the system can perform thorough authentication without blocking the fast ranging response, as each phase operates independently with its own timing characteristics.
3Reliability
If delay time is randomly selected and encrypted, then privacy is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of delay time from a fixed or predictable value to a randomly selected and encrypted value. This parameter change enhances privacy by making it difficult for eavesdroppers to calculate range information. The MAC layer handles the randomness and encryption operations, keeping the complexity manageable through standardized protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system, method and computer program product for secure ranging between at least two devices in radio communications with each other. In particular, an apparatus, system, method and computer program product for secure ranging between at least two devices communicating via ultra wideband (UWB) protocols. Either ternary-IR or time-hope-IR sequences are used for ranging and security. A first device transmits a range packet. A second device responds to the range packet after a delay time known only to the first and second devices. The delay time can be selected randomly by either to the first device or the second device and made known to the other device in an encrypted notification packet.