Pseudo-Random Spreading Code Modulation for Secure Sensor Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current M2M communication systems for event detection in sensor networks face security vulnerabilities due to the interception of alert messages, as periodic transmissions consume high energy and can be easily jammed, while asynchronous detection systems are not transparent to malicious third parties.
Innovation Solution
A method using pseudo-random spreading codes for event detection message modulation, where a seed is shared between sensors and collectors to generate unique spreading codes for each transmission cycle, ensuring only authorized parties can decode the messages, thus enhancing security and reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If periodic message transmission is used to ensure system responsiveness, then the responsiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases and the system becomes vulnerable to jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic synchronization message transmission from collector to sensors at predefined intervals. This allows sensors to remain in low-power state between synchronizations while still maintaining system responsiveness. The periodic nature provides energy efficiency compared to continuous monitoring, while the regular synchronization intervals ensure timely event detection and transmission.
2Loss of information
If cryptographic encryption methods are used to secure message content, then information security is improved, but the system remains vulnerable to interception of transmission timing and patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces spreading codes as an intermediary layer between the event detection data and the transmitted signal. These codes spread the signal across a wider frequency spectrum and obscure the timing patterns, making interception and analysis by malicious third parties significantly more difficult. The spreading codes act as a mediator that protects both the content and the transmission characteristics of the messages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal and spectral parameters of the transmitted signal by applying spreading codes. Instead of transmitting narrowband signals at precise intervals, the system transmits spread-spectrum signals with modified timing characteristics. This parameter transformation hides the original transmission patterns from potential interceptors while maintaining the integrity of the event detection information.
3Use of energy by moving object
If asynchronous event detection is used to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but the system becomes transparent to malicious third parties who can detect transmission patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The spreading codes serve as an intermediary that masks the asynchronous transmission patterns from malicious third parties. By spreading the signal in time and frequency domains, the original asynchronous pattern is obscured, preventing external observers from detecting when events occur while still allowing the collector to receive and process the information correctly.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of communicating between at least one event detector sensor and a collector of event detection data transmitted by the sensor in the form of an event signalling message whose modulation is defined by at least one spreading code. The method comprises the steps implemented by the sensor of, upon detection of an event, generation of data of event detection, of reception of a synchronization message emitted by the collector, the synchronization message comprising a seed for a pseudo-random generation of at least one spreading code and of pseudo-random generation of at least one spreading code on the basis of the seed. The method furthermore comprises a step of emitting an event signalling message whose modulation is defined by the at least one spreading code generated randomly, the event signalling message comprising the event detection data.