Security Nodes for Cross-Network Device Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Establishing secure and trusted communication links between end user devices across different wireless communication networks is challenging due to variations in security hardware and software, particularly when devices lack similar partitioned security zones or security keys.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of security nodes within communication networks that establish and utilize security relationships, authorized by an authorization node, to facilitate secure communication links between end user devices, even when they lack similar security hardware or software, by inheriting security authorizations and establishing trust relationships through cryptographic hash exchanges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If end user devices use partitioned security zones to establish secure communication links, then security reliability is improved, but device compatibility deteriorates because not all devices have similar security hardware or software
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces security nodes as intermediary elements between end user devices. These security nodes maintain security relationships with each other and can establish secure communication links for devices that lack matching security hardware or software. The security node acts as a mediator that provides the missing security functionality, allowing devices without partitioned security zones to communicate securely with devices that have them, thus resolving the compatibility issue while maintaining security reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the security functionality into two parts: devices can have their own security zones if available, and security nodes provide complementary security relationships. This segmentation allows the system to work with devices that have varying levels of security hardware, where the security node fills in the gaps for devices without full security capabilities
2Adaptability or versatility
If security nodes establish security relationships with multiple devices across different networks, then network interoperability is improved, but security management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The security node is designed with multi-functionality to handle diverse security requirements across different networks and devices. It can establish security relationships with multiple devices, manage different types of communications, and operate across various network types. This universal design consolidates security management functions in a single node, reducing overall system complexity despite the increased interoperability capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and software for operating communication systems are provided herein. In one example, method of operating a communication system to establish secure communications between a first user device communicating in a first communication network and a second user device communicating in a second communication network is presented. The method includes, responsive to a communication request received from the first user device, establishing a secure communication link between the first user device and a first security node. When a second security node has a security relationship established with the first security node, the method includes establishing the secure communication link for the secure communications between the first user device and the second user device using at least the security relationship between the first security node and the second security node, and exchanging the secure communications over the secure communication link.