Tamper-Proof Dual Modulation Network for Secure IoT Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current IoT communication protocols face limitations in range and cost due to high power consumption and security vulnerabilities, particularly in firmware-based systems, which restrict their practicality for long-distance and secure data transmission.

Innovation Solution

A tamper-resistant dual modulation network utilizing long range spread spectrum frequency hopping and narrowband frequency shift keying signals, with tamper circuits and firmware that encrypt communication and automatically change frequencies upon detection of intrusion, ensuring secure and efficient data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If firmware-based encryption is used to secure IoT device communication, then security is improved, but data packet size increases and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the encryption function from the data payload and implements it in the physical layer through frequency hopping sequences. The frequency sequences carry the encrypted information separately from the data packets, eliminating the need for software-based decryption and reducing power consumption while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces software-based firmware encryption with a physical layer encryption mechanism using spread spectrum frequency hopping. This substitution moves the encryption from the digital/software domain to the physical signal domain, achieving security without the overhead of software decryption processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Length of stationary object

If mesh network is used to extend Z-Wave range beyond 200 meters, then range is improved, but hardware cost and power consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproverangeVSAvoidhardware cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental communication parameter from narrowband FSK to long-range spread spectrum frequency hopping (SSFH). This parameter change enables direct long-range communication without requiring mesh network infrastructure, reducing hardware complexity and cost while extending the operational range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If data is software-encrypted for additional security, then security is improved, but data packet size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoiddata packet size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS9998489B2Method and system for tamper-proofing a dual modulation network

Publication Date: 2018.06.12 SURE FI INC

AI summary

A system and method for a tamper-resistant network is disclosed. The system includes a primary network hub (PNH) having a PNH transceiver and a PNH microcontroller. The PNH microcontroller has long range spread spectrum frequency hopping (SSFH) firmware, a plurality of frequency hopping sequences, and PNH tamper firmware. The system also includes a peripheral device (PD) having a PD transceiver, a PD tamper circuit, and a PD microcontroller. The PD microcontroller includes the long range SSFH firmware, the plurality of frequency hopping sequences, and PD tamper firmware. The PD communicates to the PNH that it is compromised, and the PNH deactivates the PD and an associated frequency hopping signal.