Smart Agent Download for Satellite Network Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current network security methods are vulnerable to sophisticated attacks, particularly due to reliance on static passwords and lack of geospatial location/context awareness, making it difficult to authenticate users and detect anomalies, which hinders effective access control and traceability of cyber threats.

Innovation Solution

A method and system utilizing smart agents downloaded via a satellite-based spot beam authentication system that monitors network behavior, authenticates users through geolocation, and triggers specific tasks upon detecting anomalies, enhancing security by incorporating geospatial location/context awareness and improving access control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If static passwords are used for authentication, then the authentication process is simple, but the system is vulnerable to sophisticated attacks and lacks geospatial location awareness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication processVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds a geospatial dimension to authentication by incorporating location awareness into the authentication process. The system determines the geographic location of users and devices, then uses this spatial information to authenticate or deny access, effectively moving from traditional password-based authentication to a multi-dimensional authentication system that includes spatial coordinates as a verification factor

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a location-aware authentication system as an intermediary between users and network resources. This intermediary component verifies both credentials and geospatial location information before granting access, acting as a mediator that enhances security without completely replacing existing authentication mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If network monitoring is implemented to detect anomalies, then security detection capability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity detection capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a system where network devices and users automatically provide location information and authentication data without manual intervention. The location-aware authentication system operates autonomously, continuously monitoring and verifying geospatial coordinates, which reduces the need for manual security management while maintaining high detection capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates continuous feedback loops where the system monitors location data, authentication attempts, and network behavior, then uses this feedback to dynamically adjust security measures. The system learns from patterns in location information and authentication events, enabling automated anomaly detection and response that manages complexity through adaptive algorithms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If geospatial location awareness is incorporated into authentication, then access control is enhanced, but the authentication process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess controlVSAvoidauthentication process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enhances access control by adding a geospatial dimension to the authentication process. The system determines the geographic location of users and devices, then uses this spatial information as an additional verification factor alongside traditional credentials, creating a multi-dimensional authentication framework that improves access control reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs geospatial location determination and verification in advance of actual resource access. By pre-authenticating users based on their location and credentials before they attempt to access sensitive network resources, the system simplifies the overall authentication process while maintaining enhanced security controls

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2573998B1Method and system for smart agent download
Publication Date: 2017.08.16 THE BOEING CO
  • EP2573998B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2573998B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2573998B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system, method, and apparatus for a network topology aided by a smart agent download are disclosed. The method involves authenticating, with at least one authenticator device, at least one claimant (120). The method further involves transmitting, by at least one transmission source (110), the smart agent download to at least one receiving source (130) associated with at least one claimant (120). In one or more embodiments, at least one transmission source is employed in a Lower Earth Orbiting (LEO) Iridium satellite. Also, the method involves receiving, by at least one receiving source, the smart agent download. In addition, the method involves executing, by at least one processor, the smart agent download. Further, the method involves monitoring, by the smart agent download, network behavior. The monitoring of network behavior includes monitoring the users on the network, monitoring data passing through the network, and monitoring the quantity of data passing through the network.