Signed Send Token Network Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Protected networks face challenges in securely allowing access to untrusted computing devices while preventing unauthorized access and maintaining scalability.
Innovation Solution
The distribution and use of signed send tokens, which include transmission information and encryption keys, are used to authenticate and encrypt data packets, allowing authorized access while preventing unauthorized access by untrusted devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If signed send tokens are distributed to untrusted computing devices, then network access is enabled for these devices, but security risk increases due to potential unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network access control by distributing individual signed send tokens to specific untrusted computing devices. Each token represents a discrete access authorization that can be independently managed, verified, and revoked. This segmentation allows the network to grant access to multiple untrusted devices without compromising overall security, as each device operates with its own isolated authorization credential.
Solution Approach 2:
The signed send token acts as an intermediary credential between untrusted computing devices and the protected network. The token contains cryptographic signatures that mediate the trust relationship, allowing the network to verify device authorization without requiring direct trust in the untrusted devices themselves. This intermediary mechanism resolves the security contradiction by introducing a verifiable trust layer.
2Reliability
If traditional access control methods are used for untrusted devices, then security is maintained, but network scalability is limited due to resource constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses cryptographic copying where the signed send token can be replicated and distributed to multiple untrusted devices without requiring proportional increases in network security resources. The digital signature on each token provides verifiable authorization, allowing the network to scale access control to numerous devices while maintaining security through immutable cryptographic verification rather than resource-intensive per-device monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of access control from resource-intensive continuous monitoring to lightweight cryptographic verification. By transforming the security mechanism into a parameter-based system where tokens contain embedded authorization parameters (signatures, expiration times, device identifiers), the network can handle scalable numbers of untrusted devices with constant security resource requirements.
3Reliability
If access control mechanisms are implemented for each untrusted device, then unauthorized access is prevented, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple access control functions into a single signed send token structure. The token combines device identification, authorization signatures, expiration timing, and network access parameters into one integrated credential. This merging reduces system complexity by eliminating the need for separate management of multiple discrete access control mechanisms while maintaining comprehensive access control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The signed send token serves multiple functions simultaneously: it authenticates the untrusted device, authorizes network access, establishes security parameters, and provides timing constraints. This multi-functionality reduces system complexity by replacing what would otherwise require separate systems for authentication, authorization, accounting, and access control with a single universal token mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed system allows a user to have access to a protected network through the distribution of signed send tokens. In particular, a device associated with the protected network, such as a network interface card, may generate and issue send tokens to various third-parties who seek access to the network. A send token may be a block of data that contains transmission information regarding the operations that are allowed to be performed by the network user. For example, the send token may identify the portions of the network to which the user's data packets are allowed to be sent, as well as the permitted content of the user's data packets.