Task Scheduler Key Distribution for Protocol Stack Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protocol stacks face challenges in reconciling increasing security requirements with the need for resource efficiency and low porting efforts across different processor and operating systems, particularly in embedded systems like residential gateways and vehicle components, where cryptographic key management is complex and resource-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A task scheduler is used to distribute cryptographic keys obtained from an external network to software modules within a protocol stack, simplifying security measures across protocol layers without affecting hardware or operating system encapsulation, and enabling efficient key distribution without additional resource requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If increasingly more complex cryptographic encryption methods are implemented to satisfy greater security requirements, then security is improved, but device complexity and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The task scheduler serves as an intermediary component that manages cryptographic key distribution to software modules. Instead of each software module independently managing its own keys, the task scheduler centralizes key management functionality, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining security requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The task scheduler is designed to perform multiple functions: it not only schedules software modules but also manages cryptographic key distribution. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated key management components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining security.
2Reliability
If cryptographic keys are managed independently by each software module, then security is improved, but device complexity and porting effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The task scheduler provides a universal key management interface that works across different software modules and platforms. By centralizing key distribution functionality in the task scheduler, the system reduces porting effort when adapting to different processor architectures or operating systems, as the key management logic remains consistent.
3Reliability
If dedicated key management components are added to each software module, then security is improved, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges key management functionality with the existing task scheduler component. Instead of adding separate dedicated key management components to each software module, the key distribution functionality is combined with the scheduling function, thereby reducing resource consumption while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The task scheduler is enhanced to perform both scheduling and key management functions. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for additional dedicated resources for key management, as the same processor and memory resources used for scheduling are also used for key distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to devices, methods, and computer program products for secure data communication according to a network protocol having a plurality of communication layers layered into a protocol stack. Said device comprises a processor system, in which a processor, controlled by a task scheduler, executes a plurality of autonomous software modules, which each run a communication layer of the protocol stack. The software modules are linked via communication channels to the protocol stack and the protocol stack is connected to an interface framework for data communication with an external network. At least one software module uses an assigned cryptographic key for secure data communication in its communication layer. The task scheduler is configured to obtain said key from the external network via the interface framework and to distribute said key to the assigned software module.