Wireless Network Key Distribution Using Segmented Partial Keys
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless network key distribution methods require resetting and redistributing secure keys for all nodes when a new node joins, increasing computation and transmission times.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight key distribution method that allocates a secure key to a new node using its ID while retaining existing key sets, involving the calculation of intermediate values and encryption keys using hash functions to efficiently distribute and decrypt partial keys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional secure key distribution method is used when a new node joins the wireless network, then all nodes can share secure keys, but computation time and transmission time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the key distribution process by introducing a key pool with multiple partial keys, each associated with a key index. Instead of redistributing all keys to all nodes, the system divides keys into segments (partial keys) that can be selectively distributed. When a new node joins, only the relevant partial keys corresponding to its assigned key indices are distributed, significantly reducing computation and transmission time while maintaining secure communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different key indices to different nodes and distributing only the necessary partial keys to each node based on its specific key indices. Each node receives only the local subset of keys it needs rather than all keys in the system. This selective distribution reduces the overhead of key management while ensuring each node has the appropriate keys for secure communication with other nodes that share common key indices.
2Reliability
If all secure keys are reset and redistributed when a new node joins, then network security is maintained, but system complexity and overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the master key into multiple partial keys with different key indices, stored in a key pool. This segmentation allows the system to maintain security by distributing only relevant key segments to new nodes rather than resetting all keys. The key pool structure enables selective key distribution based on key indices, reducing system complexity while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-creating a key pool with multiple partial keys and their associated key indices before new nodes join. This pre-prepared key structure allows the system to quickly assign appropriate keys to new nodes without performing complex key generation and distribution operations, thereby reducing system complexity and overhead.
3Reliability
If conventional key distribution is used, then all nodes can communicate securely, but transmission time increases due to key redistribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments key distribution by assigning specific key indices to nodes and distributing only the partial keys corresponding to those indices. When a new node joins, the system identifies the relevant key indices and transmits only those partial keys, significantly reducing transmission time compared to redistributing all keys to all nodes, while still enabling secure communication between appropriate nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by distributing only the necessary partial keys to new nodes based on their assigned key indices, rather than performing complete key redistribution. This selective approach reduces transmission time and bandwidth usage while maintaining sufficient security for the new node to communicate securely with other nodes that share common key indices.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for lightweight key distribution in a wireless network comprises calculating a second intermediate value using a first intermediate value which corresponds to respective partial keys included in a key pool; generating an encryption key using the second intermediate value and encrypting a partial key corresponding to a key index in common with a new node with the encryption key; and sending a key part which contains the encrypted partial key and the second intermediate value. Therefore, if a new node joins the wireless network, the key set can be allocated to the new node using its ID while the key sets allocated to the existing nodes of the network are retained.