Send-Only Network Interface Circuitry for Secure One-Way Data Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network security devices, such as firewalls, do not provide sufficient protection for high-security computer networks from unauthorized data disclosure, and existing one-way data transfer systems using optical links are inflexible and require special-purpose computers, limiting configuration and upgrade options.
Innovation Solution
A secure one-way data transfer system using network interface circuitry with send-only and receive-only configurations, implemented via network interface cards with optical or copper wire connections, ensuring unidirectional data flow without the need for special-purpose computers, and allowing easy installation, configuration, and compatibility with various systems and formats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional firewalls are used for network security, then basic data protection is provided, but sufficient protection from unauthorized data disclosure cannot be achieved for high-security networks
Solution Approach 1:
The network interface circuitry is segmented into separate transmit and receive paths, where the transmit path is enabled for data outbound to the secure network while the receive path is disabled. This physical segmentation prevents any potential data leakage back to the unsecured network, achieving absolute protection against unauthorized data disclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
The receive functionality is extracted and removed from the network interface circuitry at the unsecured network end, leaving only transmit capability. This extraction eliminates the possibility of data flowing back to the unsecured network, providing robust protection against unauthorized data disclosure while maintaining basic security functions.
2Reliability
If one-way optical data links with special-purpose computers are used, then unidirectional data transfer and secure protection are achieved, but system flexibility and configuration options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The network interface circuitry is designed with universal compatibility, supporting multiple network protocols and interface types (optical, copper wire) through a single device. The circuitry can be configured in different modes (send-only, receive-only, or bidirectional) depending on security requirements, providing both robust unidirectional protection and system flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The network interface circuitry incorporates dynamic configurability, allowing the transmission directions to be changed from static to dynamic based on security needs. The circuitry can be reconfigured to enable or disable specific transmission paths without hardware replacement, providing flexibility while maintaining secure unidirectional operation when required.
3Reliability
If send-only and receive-only network interface circuitry are implemented, then unidirectional data flow is ensured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network interface circuitry is divided into independent transmit and receive modules, each with its own control logic. This segmentation allows for simplified individual module design and configuration while achieving complex unidirectional control functionality. The transmit module can be configured independently of the receive module, reducing overall configuration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A control unit acts as an intermediary between the transmit and receive paths, managing the unidirectional data flow control. This intermediary simplifies the configuration process by providing a centralized interface for setting transmission directions, reducing the complexity of configuring multiple independent components while ensuring reliable unidirectional operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Network interface circuitry for a secure one-way data transfer from a sender's computer (“Send Node”) to a receiver's computer (“Receive Node”) over a data link, such as an optical fiber or shielded twisted pair copper wire communication cable, comprising send-only network interface circuitry for transmitting data from the Send Node to the data link, and receive-only network interface circuitry for receiving the data from the data link and transmitting the received data to the Receive Node, wherein the send-only network interface circuitry is configured not to receive any data from the data link, and the receive-only network interface circuitry is configured not to send any data to the data link. The network interface circuitry may use various interface means such as PCI interface, USB connection, FireWire connection, or serial port connection for coupling to the Send Node and the Receive Node.