Hierarchical key management system
US4888801A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 2, 1988 |
| Grant date | Dec 19, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 2, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L9/3263
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A hierarchical key management system includes a number of secure terminals. These terminals provide secure access to a corresponding number of users. A user inserts a security activation device or key into the secure terminal to access a secure connection through the established communication network. A group of secure wireline terminals is connected to a key certification authority. There may be several groups of key certification authorities and corresponding secure terminal users. At the highest level, a key certification center authorizes secure communications by the key certification authorities. In turn, the key certification authorities authorize secure communications between the users. As a result, if one level of key management is compromised, other levels and users are not affected.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.