Network communications security enhancing

• US 20070021093A1
• Filed: 07/21/2005
• Published: 01/25/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 07/21/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc. (Cisco Systems, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc. (Cisco Systems, Inc.)
• Inventors: Chu, Steve
• Granted Patent: US 7,720,462 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/343.400
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/20 for managing network security; network security policies in general filtering policies H04L63/0227
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/068 using credential vaults, e.g. password manager applications or one time password [OTP] applications
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/084 using delegated authorisation, e.g. open authorisation [OAuth] protocol
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 28/18 Negotiating wireless communication parameters
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0258 controlling an operation mode according to history or models of usage information, e.g. activity schedule or time of day
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/20 Manipulation of established connections
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 in wireless communication networks

Abstract

The present invention facilitates security maintenance in a communication network. Present invention embodiments adjust power level and/or communication permission based upon designated parameters. The designated parameters can include time indications, days of the week, failed access attempts, source and destination indications and/or information content indications. For example, a present invention system and method can reduce and/or turn off power to a wireless communication port during designated intervals (e.g., during non standard work hours) and prevent unauthorized access via the wireless communication port.

Claims

1. A communication method comprising:

initializing a communication device;

examining one or more communication selectivity parameters; and

altering power based upon analysis of said communication selectivity parameters.

2. A communication method of claim 1 wherein said communication selectivity parameters include time.

3. A communication method of claim 2 wherein said communication selectivity parameters also include a number of unsuccessful communication initialization attempts.

4. A communication method of claim 2 wherein said communication selectivity parameters also include user identification.

5. A communication method of claim 2 wherein altering power includes reducing and/or increasing power to a wireless communication port.

6. A communication method of claim 1 further comprising changing new session access permission to a communication device based upon said communication selectivity parameters.

7. A communication method of claim 1 further comprising changing new session access permission to a communication device based upon communication device component characteristics.

8. A communication method of claim 1 wherein said communication selectivity parameters include a re-occurring time interval.

9. A communication method of claim 1 wherein said communication selectivity parameters include a day of the week.

10. A communication device comprising:

a plurality of ports for forwarding communication packets;

a memory for storing designated parameters; and

a power controller component for selectively controlling power to said plurality of communication ports, wherein said power to said plurality of communication ports is selectively reduced and/or increased based upon designated parameters.

11. A communication device of claim 10 wherein said designated parameters include time.

12. A communication device of claim 10 wherein power is reduced to a transmitter in one or more of said plurality of ports.

13. A communication device of claim 10 wherein a transmission ping signal is turned off.

14. A communication device of claim 10 wherein said power controller further comprises:

a processor for directing selective reduction and/or increase in said power to said plurality of communication ports; and

a memory for storing instructions for said processor.

15. A communication device of claim 10 wherein said memory includes tables for mapping power levels to said designated parameters.

16. A communication device of claim 10 wherein said controller component prevents packets from being forwarded to any of said plurality of ports mapped to said power level.

17. A communication system comprising:

a means for transmitting information;

a means for controlling power to said means for transmitting information, where in said power is selectively increased/reduced in accordance with designated parameters.