Method and apparatus for encrypting radio traffic in a telecommunications network
US5850444A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 9, 1996 |
| Grant date | Dec 15, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 9, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04W88/02
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A generic communications network provides an encrypted communications interface between service networks and their subscribers. When communications are initiated between a subscribing communications terminal and the generic network, the terminal compares a stored network identifier associated with a stored public key, with a unique identifier broadcast by the generic network. If a match is found, the terminal generates a random secret key, encrypts the secret key with the stored public key, and transmits the encrypted secret key. The generic communications network decrypts the secret key using a private key associated with the public key. The secret key is used thereafter by the terminal and the generic network to encrypt and decrypt the ensuing radio traffic. Consequently, the network can maintain secure communications with the terminal without ever knowing the terminal's identity.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.