Security Controller Restoration via Backup Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In home networks, the disconnection of a security controller (SC) disrupts network operations, preventing nodes from authenticating or updating keys, leading to instability and failure in security mode.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for restoring the SC by designating a backup SC, where a master node identifies and activates the backup SC, enabling authentication and re-authentication within the network to ensure continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a backup SC is designated and activated when the original SC is disconnected, then network stability and continuous authentication are improved, but device complexity and protocol overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-designating a backup SC before the original SC fails. The backup SC is identified and prepared in advance, so when disconnection occurs, authentication can continue without interruption. This proactive approach ensures network stability while avoiding the need for complex real-time detection and selection protocols during failure events.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary mechanism where the master node facilitates the transition from the original SC to the backup SC. The master node receives authentication requests, determines SC availability, and redirects nodes to the backup SC when needed. This intermediary role simplifies the overall system by centralizing the coordination function rather than requiring direct complex interactions between all nodes and SCs.
2Reliability
If SC restoration mechanism is implemented, then authentication continuity is improved, but time consumption for SC switching and re-authentication increases
Solution Approach 1:
By pre-designating a backup SC and maintaining its readiness state, the patent enables rapid switching when the original SC fails. Nodes already have information about the backup SC from previous communications, eliminating the need for time-consuming discovery and selection processes during the transition. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces SC switching time while ensuring continuous authentication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where nodes periodically report their authentication status and SC information to the master node. This feedback loop allows the system to quickly detect SC unavailability and initiate restoration without requiring nodes to continuously monitor SC status, reducing the time overhead of SC switching while maintaining authentication continuity.
3Reliability
If backup SC functionality is activated, then network security is maintained during SC disconnection, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The backup SC operates in a pre-designated ready state rather than fully active state, consuming minimal energy while maintaining capability. The SC restoration mechanism is triggered only when the original SC fails, activating the backup SC's full functionality temporarily. This preliminary readiness state maintains security assurance without sustained high energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by allowing nodes to autonomously detect SC unavailability and initiate restoration procedures without requiring continuous monitoring or intervention. Nodes use existing communication protocols to detect failures and redirect authentication requests to the backup SC, reducing the energy burden on the backup SC and master node while maintaining security during the transition period.
Data Source
AI summary
A security controller (SC) restoration method is provided. The method includes: designating, by a master node, a node to which a backup SC belongs, where the master node includes an original DM or a backup DM; sending, by the master node to a first node, a message indicating the backup SC, where the message indicating the backup SC includes an identifier of the node to which the backup SC belongs; in a case in which a node to which an original SC belongs is disconnected, sending, by the master node to the first node, a message for enabling an SC function, for performing authentication, according to the message for enabling an SC function.