UWB Ranging via Out-of-Band Key Negotiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultra-wideband (UWB) communication systems face security vulnerabilities due to the use of predefined session keys, which can be compromised by malicious devices, and many devices lack secure hardware elements to derive dynamic session keys, limiting secure communication and accuracy in distance determination, especially in environments with multipath interference.
Innovation Solution
Devices negotiate a UWB session key via an out-of-band communication protocol, such as Bluetooth, to secure UWB communications, eliminating the need for secure hardware and enhancing security beyond default session key encryption, thereby determining distance with improved accuracy and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If devices use predefined session keys for UWB communication, then device complexity is reduced, but security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an out-of-band communication channel (such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi) as an intermediary to negotiate session keys between devices. This mediator enables secure key exchange without requiring complex secure hardware elements in the UWB subsystem, thus improving security while avoiding increased device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the communication process into two distinct phases: (1) out-of-band communication for negotiating session keys, and (2) UWB communication for distance determination using the negotiated keys. This segmentation allows each phase to use appropriate security mechanisms without burdening the entire system with complex hardware requirements
2Reliability
If devices use default session key encryption, then device complexity is reduced, but security against malicious devices is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic session key negotiation where the encryption key is not fixed but is instead dynamically determined through out-of-band communication between devices. This dynamic approach prevents malicious devices from exploiting predefined keys while the implementation remains simple by leveraging existing communication protocols
3Reliability
If secure hardware elements are added to derive dynamic session keys, then security is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The out-of-band communication channel serves as an intermediary that enables dynamic key derivation without requiring secure hardware elements. The negotiation process occurs through standard communication protocols, avoiding the need for expensive secure elements while maintaining strong security through negotiated session keys
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages the existing out-of-band communication capability (which may already be present for other purposes) to perform key negotiation. This multi-functional use of existing communication infrastructure provides security improvements without adding dedicated secure hardware components
Data Source
AI summary
An ultra-wideband (UWB) ranging method comprises determining, by a first device, that the first device is within proximity of a second device. Responsive to the determination, the first device negotiates a value to use as a UWB session key for securing UWB communications with the second device. The negotiation occurs via a communication protocol different from a UWB communication protocol. The first device controls a UWB subsystem therein to encrypt information communicated via the UWB subsystem based on the negotiated value of the UWB session key instead of a default value for the UWB session key that is specified in the UWB communication protocol. The information facilitates determining the distance between the first device and the second device.