Topology Change Authorization via Wireless Credential Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computing devices with modified topologies, such as added or removed carrier boards, face challenges in ensuring that only authorized components are accessed, particularly in maintaining operating temperature and component compatibility, leading to potential system instability and unauthorized service access.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a wireless credential exchange (WCE) that stores configuration data indicating an authorized stackable topology map, allowing the system to determine if changes in the topology are allowed and enabling or disabling services accordingly, ensuring only authorized components are accessed and maintaining system stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the system allows dynamic addition or removal of carrier boards to improve adaptability, then the versatility of the computing device is improved, but the risk of unauthorized component access and system instability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification of carrier board authorization before allowing access to services. The BIOS detects topology changes and checks against authorized configuration data stored in secure storage, preventing unauthorized components from accessing the system before they can cause instability
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary authorization checking mechanism is introduced between the carrier board and service access. The system uses configuration data stored in secure storage and verified by the BIOS as an intermediary layer to mediate access requests, ensuring only authorized components can access services
2Reliability
If the system implements strict authorization checks to maintain system stability, then reliability is improved, but the complexity of the access control mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses self-service authorization where the carrier board itself contains identification information (such as embedded controllers or identification circuits) that automatically present themselves during topology detection. The BIOS autonomously verifies this information against stored configuration data without requiring external intervention, simplifying the access control process
3Reliability
If the system stores configuration data in secure storage to prevent unauthorized access, then security is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring authorized topology changes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the BIOS continuously monitors system topology and compares detected changes against authorized configuration data stored in secure storage. When topology changes occur, the system provides feedback by checking authorization status and either permitting or blocking access based on the verification result
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration data is segmented into specific authorization parameters that can be individually checked. The BIOS detects topology changes by segmenting the verification process into discrete steps: detecting the change, extracting authorization information from secure storage, verifying the specific component, and making an access decision
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, a system for accessing services comprises a processor to detect a change in a topology of the system and request configuration data or a firmware image stored in secure storage of a wireless credential exchange or EEPROM, wherein the configuration data indicates an authorized stackable topology map for the system. The processor can also determine the change in the topology is allowed based on the authorized stackable topology map and execute an internet or local based service comprising a modification based on the change to the topology of the system, the service with the modification to be executed in response to a transmission of the change to the service.