Storage Device Analog Waveform Host Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage devices lack enhanced security measures for controlling access, particularly in the context of volatile and nonvolatile memory devices, where data integrity and unauthorized access are concerns.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with a memory controller that receives an analog connection request signal with a set waveform, allowing access control based on host information such as waveform amplitude, length, and distance between waveforms, and utilizing Out of Band (OOB) signals for secure communication and authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional digital connection request signals are used for host authentication, then the communication protocol is simple and widely compatible, but the security against unauthorized access and host identification is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional digital authentication mechanisms with an analog waveform-based authentication system. The host transmits its identity through specific analog waveform characteristics (amplitude, frequency, duration) in the connection request signal, which the storage device analyzes to authenticate the host. This substitution provides enhanced security while maintaining relative simplicity in the authentication protocol.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the authentication parameters from digital values to analog waveform parameters. Instead of using digital credentials, the system uses continuous analog signals with varying amplitude, frequency, and temporal characteristics to encode host identity information. This parameter transformation enables more granular and secure host identification.
2Measurement precision
If analog waveform-based authentication is implemented, then host identification accuracy and security are improved, but the complexity of signal processing and waveform analysis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device is pre-configured with reference waveform characteristics for each authorized host during system initialization or manufacturing. These reference waveforms are stored in the storage device's memory, enabling it to quickly compare incoming connection request waveforms against known host patterns without requiring complex real-time analysis. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces the computational burden during authentication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent focuses on analyzing only the most critical waveform parameters (amplitude, frequency, duration) rather than processing the entire waveform signal in detail. By concentrating measurement efforts on these key characteristics that sufficiently distinguish between hosts, the system achieves high identification accuracy while minimizing processing complexity.
3Reliability
If Out of Band (OOB) signals are used for secure communication, then data protection and integrity are enhanced, but the communication protocol complexity and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication channels into two distinct types: the main data channel for normal operations and the Out of Band (OOB) channel for authentication and control functions. This segmentation allows secure authentication signals to be transmitted separately from data traffic, enhancing security without significantly complicating the overall communication system, as each channel can be independently managed.
Solution Approach 2:
The OOB signal acts as an intermediary channel that facilitates secure authentication and control operations without interfering with the main data communication path. This intermediary mechanism enables enhanced data protection by separating authentication functions from data transfer functions, allowing the system to maintain simple data communication protocols while implementing robust security measures through the dedicated OOB channel.
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided a storage device having improved security and an operating method thereof. In a storage device including a memory controller for controlling a memory device including a plurality of memory blocks, the storage device includes: a host interface configured to receive an analog connection request signal provided by a host; and a host access controller configured to control access by the host according to host information acquired from the connection request signal.