Covert channel for conveying supplemental messages in a protocol-defined link for a system of storage devices
US7571269B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 20, 2005 |
| Grant date | Aug 4, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 24, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F13/4027
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Disclosed are communication apparatus, a SATA communication device, a system, an enhanced port multiplier and a method for, among other things, establishing a covert communication channel in a protocol-compliant link. In one embodiment, a communication apparatus includes a link interface and a supplemental message interface. The link interface is configured to communicatively couple the communication apparatus to the link for accessing a data stream passing through the link in accordance with a standardized protocol. The supplemental message interface is configured to exchange a supplemental message within the data stream to establish a covert communication channel in the link. The supplemental message supplements the standardized protocol without violating the protocol.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.