Method and system for secure cable modem initialization

Details Method and system for secure cable modem initialization Method and system for secure cable modem initialization

1998-02-04

2000-05-30

Butler, Dennis M.

Electrical computers and digital processing systems: support

Multiple computer communication using cryptography

Protection at a particular protocol layer

G06F 1100

Patent

active

06070246&

ABSTRACT:
A method and system for secure cable modem initialization in a data-over-cable system is provided using a secure protocol server. The method includes sending a unique identifier, such an Internet Protocol ("IP") address and a selected time-value, such as an approximate message send time-value, in a configuration file from a protocol server such as a Trivial File Protocol server ("TFTP"). A message integrity value is calculated using the unique identifier, the selected time-value and one or more configuration parameters in a pre-determined order with a cryptographic hashing function. The message integrity value is added to the configuration file. A cable modem receives the configuration file from the TFTP server and uses the message integrity value to authenticate the configuration file and determine if the configuration file was sent within a pre-determined period of time (e.g., 5 seconds) from the TFTP server. If not, the configuration is discarded by the cable modem. The unique identifier and selected time-value uniquely identify the configuration file for the cable modem and help prevent a rouge user from intercepting a valid cable modem configuration file and using it at a later time to initialize a rouge cable modem. The method and system provide improved security for initializing cable modems in a data-over-cable system.

REFERENCES:
patent: 5014234 (1991-05-01), Edwards, Jr.
patent: 5138712 (1992-08-01), Corbin
patent: 5623601 (1997-04-01), Vu
patent: 5799086 (1998-08-01), Sudia
patent: 5958007 (1999-09-01), Lee et al.

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