Secure Web Socket Conditional Access System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conditional access systems (CAS) are limited by their range and require operator-managed networks, while digital rights management (DRM) systems are not scalable and operate unidirectionally, lacking the ability to push messages to clients.
Innovation Solution
Establishing a persistent bi-directional Secure Web Socket connection between a CA headend and client devices using HTTPS, enabling secure and bidirectional communication, which allows for the transmission of CA private data beyond the operator's infrastructure and supports scalable, two-way messaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional satellite or cable CAS is used, then security of content transmission is improved, but the service range is limited to subscribers within operator infrastructure range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a web server as an intermediary component that bridges the CA headend and client devices. The web server establishes WebSocket connections to create a communication bridge, allowing secure content delivery beyond traditional operator infrastructure while maintaining security through the intermediary's controlled connection management
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses standard web technologies (HTTPS, WebSocket) that are universally supported by modern devices and browsers. This allows the CAS to serve diverse clients across multiple platforms and networks, not limited to proprietary operator infrastructure, thereby expanding service range while maintaining security
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional IP connected CA system is used, then service range is extended over IP network, but operator managed network infrastructure is required which increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows client devices to initiate and maintain their own WebSocket connections to the CA headend through a web server. This self-service approach eliminates the need for operator-managed network infrastructure, as clients use their own internet connections to communicate securely with the headend through standard web protocols
3Productivity
If DRM system is used, then scalability is improved, but bidirectional communication capability is lost with request/response model only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the scalability of DRM systems with the bidirectional communication capability of traditional CAS. By using WebSocket connections, the system combines the benefits of both approaches: it maintains the scalable, internet-based architecture of DRM while restoring the ability for the headend to push messages and credentials to clients actively
4Adaptability or versatility
If DRM system is used, then internet-based operation is improved, but ability to push messages and credentials to client is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches from passive request/response communication to active push communication when needed. The WebSocket connection allows the headend to initiate communication and push credentials or messages to clients at any time, while still maintaining the internet-based operational model. This dynamic capability enables both directions of communication over the internet
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for securely and bi-directionally transmitting information including conditional access private data between a client and a headend is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes: establishing a hypertext transfer protocol secure (HTTPs) connection, establishing a hypertext transfer protocol secure (HTTPs) connection; upgrading the HTTPs connection to a persistent bi-directional connection, accepting a first message from a client via the web socket connection, wherein the first message comprises an identifier of the client, parsing the message for the identifier of the client, associating the identifier of the client with the secure web socket connection, and transmitting a second message notifying the headend of the secure web site that connection, the message comprising the identifier of the client.