Application Layer Security Key Management for V2X
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies have not adequately addressed the need for secure authentication and key establishment in vehicle-to-anything (V2X) use cases for direct communication links between devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for providing secure communications between computing devices by enabling the generation, handling, and storage of communication security keys at the application layer, allowing for the selection and management of authentication methods, and facilitating the transport of key information through the communication layer without processing by the layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing ProSe protocols are used for direct communication, then basic secure communication can be established, but V2X authentication and key establishment requirements are not adequately addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic authentication methods where devices can switch between different authentication approaches (certificate-based, pre-shared keys, etc.) based on V2X scenario requirements. The key establishment process is made adaptive, allowing devices to negotiate and establish security parameters dynamically during the direct communication setup, enabling the system to adapt to different V2X use cases while maintaining robust security.
2Ease of manufacture
If security key management is handled at the communication layer, then protocol standardization is maintained, but application-specific security requirements cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the security management functionality into distinct layers: the communication layer handles standardized protocol operations and key transport, while the application layer manages authentication method selection and security parameter configuration. This segmentation allows each layer to operate independently with well-defined interfaces, enabling both protocol standardization at the communication layer and application-specific customization at the application layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication module that bridges the communication layer and application layer. This intermediary handles the negotiation between standardized key transport mechanisms and application-specific authentication requirements, translating between the two layers' different security models and enabling seamless integration without compromising either standardization or customization.
3Reliability
If devices autonomously manage security keys at the application layer, then flexibility and security are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where devices autonomously generate, store, and manage their own security keys and authentication credentials at the application layer. Each device maintains its own security context and can independently negotiate authentication methods with communication partners, reducing the need for centralized key management infrastructure while enhancing security control and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal security management framework that handles multiple authentication methods (certificate-based authentication, pre-shared keys, ephemeral key exchange) through a unified application layer interface. This multi-functional approach consolidates diverse security operations into a single manageable system, reducing the apparent complexity for developers while maintaining robust security capabilities across different V2X scenarios.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments include devices and methods for providing secure communications between a first computing device and a second computing device are disclosed. A processor of the first computing device may determine in a first application software first security key establishment information. The processor may provide the first security key establishment information to a communication layer of the first computing device for transmission to the second computing device. The processor may receive, in the first application software from the communication layer of the first computing device, second security key establishment information received from the second computing device. The processor may determine a first security key by the first application software based at least in part on the second security key establishment information. The processor may provide the first security key to the communication layer for protecting messages from the first application software to the second computing device.