Transceiver Challenge-Response Unlocking Across Authorized Hosts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional security systems for transceiver devices in information handling systems are cumbersome and limited to devices purchased from a single manufacturer, lacking flexibility and security for transceivers deployed in unsecured locations.
Innovation Solution
A transceiver device security system that includes a transceiver data communication system, processing system, and memory system, which uses challenge-response authentication with organization-specific keys to lock the transceiver for use with authorized computing devices, allowing organizations to manage security independently of the manufacturer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional physical security systems (mechanical locks) are used to secure transceiver devices, then security against theft is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to cumbersome locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical locking systems with an electronic authentication system. The transceiver device uses cryptographic authentication protocols to verify the identity of computing devices, substituting physical locks with digital security mechanisms that are less cumbersome and more automated.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication system operates autonomously between the transceiver device and computing devices. The transceiver device itself performs the authentication verification using stored cryptographic keys, eliminating the need for external security management infrastructure and making the system self-sufficient.
2Reliability
If manufacturer-specific locking systems are used to secure transceivers, then security control is improved, but adaptability deteriorates because transceivers can only be used with devices from the same manufacturer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal authentication mechanism based on industry-standard cryptographic protocols. The transceiver device can authenticate with any computing device that possesses the appropriate cryptographic credentials, regardless of manufacturer. This allows the same transceiver to be securely used across multiple manufacturers' equipment while maintaining security control.
3Reliability
If cryptographic authentication is implemented in the transceiver device, then security against unauthorized use is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements cryptographic authentication selectively - the transceiver device stores and uses cryptographic keys only when needed for authentication purposes. The cryptographic processing is activated partially, only during the authentication phase, rather than continuously. This reduces the overall processing complexity burden while maintaining security when required.
Data Source
AI summary
A transceiver device security system includes a computing device and a transceiver device that is locked for use with computing device(s) in transceiver device use group(s). The transceiver device generates challenge information in response to connecting to the computing device, and causes an interrupt to be transmitted to the computing device to cause it to retrieve the challenge information. Subsequently, the transceiver device receives an encrypted response communication from the computing device that is encrypted with a transceiver device use group private key associated with one of the transceiver device use group(s), and decrypts it with a transceiver device use group public key associated with the one of the transceiver device use group(s) to generate a decrypted response communication. If the transceiver device determines that response information in the decrypted response communication matches the challenge information, it unlocks the transceiver device for use with the computing device.