Server/client resolution for link level security protocol
US11671451B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 5, 2019 |
| Grant date | Jun 6, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 9, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L63/0876
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A secure communication channel is established between network devices separated by an unsecured physical space by dynamically performing server/client resolution based on comparison of unique identifiers of the devices. After a link between a first network device and a second network device is established, the devices exchange start frames in accordance with a network security protocol such as the Media Access Control Security (MACsec) protocol. Comparison logic at the first network device compares a value of a unique identifier of the first network device to a value of a unique identifier of the second network device obtained from the start frame transmitted by the second network device, and vice versa. Based on the comparison, one of the devices assumes a server/authenticator role, and the other device assumes a client/supplicant role. The devices operate in their determined roles to perform an authentication process and thereby establish a secure communication channel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.