Title of Invention

A METHOD FOR PROVIDING A SECURE POWERLINE-MODEM NETWORK

Abstract

A method for creating a secure powerline modem network transmits a private key (y) individually to each of the plurality of powerline modem devices (22) to be secured in a network such that each powerline modem device receives the private key in isolation of the network. Each of the plurality of powerline modem devices store the private key. A public key (X) is computed by a master device (32) in the network to be secured. The public key is transmitted from the master device to the plurality of devices. A shared key (Y) is computed at each of the plurality of powerline devices based on the public key and the private key, and communication within the secured network is performed by employing messages encrypted based on the shared key.

Full Text

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field This disclosure relates to power-line modem networks, and more particularly, to a method for providing a secure powerline modem network. 2. Description of the Related Art Powerline modems communicate by employing a power network as a transmission medium. Since modems in a plurality of locations share the power network, the shared powerline is a medium that permits a powerline modem in one house to "see" the powerline modems (and their data) at other locations, for example, other homes. Since the powerline is shared and is common to all homes data can be accessed freely over the powerline. Therefore, a need exists for an apparatus and method where a user programs the same private key into all powerline modems that need to be secured. A further need exists for an apparatus and method, which permits the user to program the private key into the modems without using the powerline network. This method would prevent other modems on the network from maliciously gaining access to the private key. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention creates a secure powerline modem network by using a portable security device, which includes a powerline modem. The security device is capable of randomly generating a number and may have the ability to let the user enter a number. This number is preferably stored in the portable security device, and the number will be a private We Claim: 1. A method for providing a secure powerline modem network, said method comprising the steps of: transmitting a private key individually to each of the plurality of powerline modem devices (22) to be secured in a network using a portable security device (10) such that each powerline modem device (22) receives the private key in isolation of the network, each of the plurality of powerline modem devices (22) store the private key; computing a public key, by a master device (32) in the network to be secured; transmitting the public key from the master device (32) to the plurality of devices; computing a shared key at each of the plurality of powerline devices (22) based on the public key and the private key; and communicating within the secured network by employing messages encrypted based on the shared key. 2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of transmitting a private key comprises the step of connecting each of the plurality of the powerline modem devices (22) to a portable security device (10) which transmits the private key directly to the powerline modem device in isolation from other powerline modem devices. 3. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the step of transmitting a secured identification number comprises proving an actual connection between the portable security device (10) and the powerline modem device (22) exists. 4. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the data is transmitted to a powerline modem device (22) from the portable security device (10). 5. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the data comprises a software update for a powerline modem device (22). 6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of transmitting a private key comprises the step of transmitting a wireless signal to each of the plurality of the powerline modem devices (22) to transmit the private key directly to the powerline modem device (22) in isolation from other powerline modem devices. 7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of transmitting a private key comprises triggering a transfer of the identification number by an act of a user. 8. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the private key is provided such that a length of the private key scales a level of security.

Documents:

1560-DELNP-2003-Abstract-(01-03-2012).pdf

1560-DELNP-2003-Abstract-(30-11-2009).pdf

1560-DELNP-2003-Claims-(01-03-2012).pdf

1560-DELNP-2003-Claims-(30-11-2009).pdf

1560-DELNP-2003-Correspondence Others-(01-03-2012).pdf

1560-DELNP-2003-Correspondence Others-(14-02-2012).pdf

1560-delnp-2003-Correspondence Others-(18-03-2013).pdf

1560-DELNP-2003-Correspondence-Others (29-10-2009).pdf

1560-DELNP-2003-Correspondence-Others-(07-06-2010).pdf

1560-delnp-2003-Correspondence-Others-(09-10-2012).pdf

1560-DELNP-2003-Correspondence-Others-(23-03-2010).pdf

1560-DELNP-2003-Correspondence-Others-(26-04-2010).pdf

1560-delnp-2003-Correspondence-Others-(26-05-2010).pdf

1560-DELNP-2003-Correspondence-Others-(30-11-2009).pdf

1560-DELNP-2003-Description (Complete)-(01-03-2012).pdf

1560-DELNP-2003-Drawings-(30-11-2009).pdf

1560-DELNP-2003-Form-1-(01-03-2012).pdf

1560-DELNP-2003-Form-1-(30-11-2009).pdf

1560-delnp-2003-form-13 (29-10-2009).pdf

1560-DELNP-2003-Form-2-(01-03-2012).pdf

1560-DELNP-2003-Form-26-(30-11-2009).pdf

1560-delnp-2003-Form-3-(18-03-2013).pdf

1560-DELNP-2003-GPA-(01-03-2012).pdf

1560-DELNP-2003-Petition 137-(07-06-2010).pdf