UE Relay Mediated Encrypted Channels with Blockchain Logging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face challenges in providing secure and dynamic wireless coverage for a wide range of devices, especially those with simplistic processing capabilities, as they are vulnerable to malicious access and lack advanced security features, particularly for IoT devices operating on predictable patterns over extended periods.
Innovation Solution
A UE relay mediates encrypted communication channels by establishing downstream and upstream encrypted tunnels between devices and end points, utilizing blockchain technology to secure transactions and verify communication sessions, even when end points are unknown or dynamic, thereby enhancing security and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If static encrypted tunnels are established for IoT devices, then security is improved, but device complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic tunnel establishment where encrypted communication channels are created on-demand for each sensitive transaction rather than maintaining static tunnels. The UE relay dynamically sets up downstream and upstream encrypted channels only when needed, allowing channels to be transient and temporary, thus reducing processing overhead while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs short-lived encrypted communication channels that are created temporarily for each transaction and then discarded. Instead of maintaining permanent tunnels, the system creates ephemeral channels that exist only for the duration of sensitive transactions, reducing the computational burden of maintaining continuous secure connections while preserving security for when it's needed.
2Reliability
If advanced security features are implemented for simplistic devices, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a UE relay as an intermediary device that handles complex security operations. The relay performs encryption, decryption, and channel management functions, allowing simplistic IoT devices to benefit from advanced security features without having to implement them locally. The relay acts as a security gateway that protects devices with limited processing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The UE relay serves multiple functions including establishing encrypted channels, managing blockchain logging, mediating communication between devices and end points, and handling security protocols. This multi-functional approach consolidates complex security operations in a single device that can serve multiple simplistic devices, reducing the security implementation burden on each individual device.
3Reliability
If encrypted communication channels are established for sensitive transactions, then security is improved, but communication latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by pre-establishing the UE relay's readiness to create encrypted channels and pre-configuring blockchain logging structures. When a sensitive transaction is detected, the relay can quickly instantiate encrypted channels without extensive setup time, as the infrastructure is prepared in advance. The blockchain structure is also pre-configured to efficiently log transactions as they occur.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanism of mediating an encrypted communication channel via a user equipment (UE) relay is described. This includes receiving an indication of a sensitive transaction from an application operating on a UE. The UE relay establishes a downstream encrypted communication channel to the application via a communication port at the UE. The UE relay then receives an end point for the sensitive transaction from the application over the downstream encrypted communication channel. The UE relay can then create an upstream encrypted communication channel to the end point.