Patent Granted for Blockchain and Edge Computing-Based Sensor Group Key Management Method

Patent Granted for Blockchain and Edge Computing-Based Sensor Group Key Management MethodOn December 13, 2024, the State Intellectual Property Office of China announced that Hangzhou Hou Quantum Cryptography Technology Co., Ltd

Patent Granted for Blockchain and Edge Computing-Based Sensor Group Key Management Method

On December 13, 2024, the State Intellectual Property Office of China announced that Hangzhou Hou Quantum Cryptography Technology Co., Ltd. successfully obtained a patent for a "Method for Sensor Group Key Management Based on Blockchain and Edge Computing," with publication number CN119109666A and an application date of September 2024. The core of this patented technology lies in a novel sensor group key management method that cleverly combines blockchain and edge computing technologies to address numerous shortcomings in traditional key management schemes, such as low key distribution efficiency, high system overhead, and insufficient security.

Traditional sensor network key management typically relies on centralized servers or complex key distribution protocols. This not only makes them vulnerable to attacks but also poses significant challenges to efficiency and security in large-scale sensor networks. Hangzhou Hou Quantum Cryptography Technology Co., Ltd.'s blockchain and edge computing-based solution effectively addresses these challenges.

This patented technology first groups edge device nodes with similar attributes into logical device groups. This grouping strategy effectively reduces the complexity of key management, decomposing a large-scale problem into several smaller, more manageable sub-problems. The grouping strategy considers various practical factors, such as the geographical location, functional characteristics, and network connectivity of sensor nodes, all of which impact the efficiency and security of the grouping.

Next, the method utilizes edge computing to elect a head node within each device group. This head node is responsible for managing the keys of all nodes within its group, including key generation, distribution, and updates. By delegating key management responsibilities to edge nodes, the method effectively reduces the burden on the central server, improving overall system efficiency and fault tolerance. The head node election process employs a reliable algorithm to ensure the selected node possesses sufficient computing power and network connectivity to fulfill its key management duties.

For key management, the patent proposes a group key management method based on blockchain and a key tree. The integration of blockchain technology ensures transparency and immutability in the key management process. Every key generation, distribution, and update is recorded on the blockchain, guaranteeing security and providing a reliable basis for subsequent auditing and traceability. The key tree structure offers an efficient key distribution mechanism, effectively reducing overhead.

Specifically, the method utilizes secure network coding for key distribution. Secure network coding, a technique for encoding and decoding data in network environments, enhances data transmission efficiency and security. In this patented technology, secure network coding is used for key distribution, effectively preventing key leakage and improving distribution efficiency.

By grouping edge devices into corresponding edge nodes, electing head nodes for key distribution, and managing edge nodes using a key tree, the method effectively reduces the system overhead associated with regenerating keys due to node additions or removals within a group, and the overhead of key transmission between nodes. This is crucial for large-scale sensor network key management, significantly improving system efficiency and security.

The innovation of this patented technology lies in its ingenious combination of blockchain, edge computing, and secure network coding, resulting in a highly secure and efficient sensor group key management scheme. It not only overcomes the shortcomings of traditional key management solutions but also provides new approaches and solutions for future IoT security. Its application prospects are vast, including widespread use in smart cities, industrial IoT, and smart agriculture, providing strong security support for these fields.

The successful granting of this patent to Hangzhou Hou Quantum Cryptography Technology Co., Ltd. marks a significant breakthrough in China's post-quantum cryptography field. This demonstrates the company's strong technological capabilities and makes a significant contribution to China's cybersecurity efforts. This technology is expected to see wider application in the near future, contributing to a more secure and reliable IoT ecosystem. Its mature application will greatly promote the development of related industries and bring significant economic and social benefits.