Mutually Trusted Intermediary for Secure Femto Node Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in establishing secure connections between devices, particularly when a user cannot directly communicate with a femto node or its local network, necessitating a method to facilitate secure remote access.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a mutually trusted intermediary, such as a secure gateway, to establish a first secure link with the user equipment and a second secure link with the femto node, enabling secure communication by relaying messages and processing communications between the two through these established links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a direct communication link is established between user equipment and femto node, then communication simplicity is improved, but security is worsened when direct path is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a trusted intermediary node (e.g., gateway, base station, or server) that acts as a mediator between user equipment and femto nodes. This intermediary establishes separate secure links with both parties and relays communications, enabling secure remote access when direct communication is not available while maintaining security through the intermediary's trusted status
2Reliability
If a trusted intermediary is introduced to enable secure remote access, then security is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The trusted intermediary node performs multiple functions including establishing secure links with both user equipment and femto nodes, relaying communications bidirectionally, and potentially performing authentication and encryption operations. This multi-functionality consolidates complex security operations into a single node, managing system complexity while maintaining security
3Reliability
If secure links are established through an intermediary, then security is improved, but communication time is worsened due to relay operations
Solution Approach 1:
The trusted intermediary pre-establishes secure communication links with both user equipment and femto nodes before actual data transmission occurs. This preliminary setup of secure channels allows subsequent communications to proceed efficiently through the pre-configured paths, minimizing the time penalty of relay operations
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for establishing secure communications between two network elements through a trusted intermediary when no direct communication path is available. Separate secure communication links are established between the network elements and the trusted intermediary to facilitate secure end to end communication.