METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TRANSMITTING MESSAGES

• US 20020154631A1
• Filed: 07/31/1998
• Published: 10/24/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 07/31/1998
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Original Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Inventors: MAKANSI, TAREK, GAMPPER, JAMES MICHAEL
• Granted Patent: US 6,771,597 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 370/389
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0428 wherein the data content is protected, e.g. by encrypting or encapsulating the payload
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/18 using different networks or channels, e.g. using out of band channels cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for key distribution involving distinctive intermediate devices or communication paths H04L9/0827; cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for authentication using a plurality of channels H04L9/3215

Abstract

A method of transmitting a message as packets over a network includes at least one from the group consisting of: forming packets with random sizes, transmitting the packets in random order, transmitting the packets through different routes in the network, and transmitting dummy data within the packets. An article of manufacture may include a computer-readable medium having instructions for causing a computer to perform at least one from the group described.

Claims

1. A method of transmitting a message as packets over a network, the method including at least one from the group consisting of:

forming packets with random sizes;

transmitting the packets in random order;

transmitting the packets through different routes in a network; and

transmitting dummy data within the packets.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein transmitting the packets in random order includes inserting a hidden ordering key in each packet.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the hidden ordering key is inserted at a random position in the packet.

4. The method of claim 2, further including encrypting the hidden ordering key.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein transmitting the packets through different routes includes inserting a hidden ordering key in each packet.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein transmitting the packets through different routes includes transmitting at least one packet through each route.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein transmitting the packets through different routes includes transmitting the packets through random routes.

8. The method of claim 1, further including transmitting dummy packets having non-data contents with the packets.

9. The method of claim 1, further including encrypting the message.

10. An article of manufacture comprising a computer-readable medium having instructions for causing a computer to perform at least one from the group consisting of:

forming packets with random sizes;

transmitting the packets in random order;

transmitting the packets through different routes in a network; and

transmitting dummy data within the packets.

11. A method of transmitting a message as packets over a network, the method including:

forming packets with random sizes;

transmitting the packets in random order through different routes in a network; and

transmitting dummy data within the packets.

12. A message in a network, the message comprising a plurality of packets, wherein the packets have random sizes, random order or a combination thereof.

13. A message in a network, the message comprising a plurality of packets, wherein:

the packets are for transmission through different routes in a network;

dummy data are interspersed within the packets;

or a combination thereof.