Security Featured Article

The need to secure computer networks and systems is more vital than ever, yet sometimes adequate protection can introduce problematic inefficiencies for users. The ability to designing solutions that offer robust security without sacrificing efficiency is obviously a significant advantage.

 

This balance between protection and usability is exactly what Motorola (News - Alert) had in mind as it developed a new security framework for its digital subscriber line (DSL) customer premises equipment (CPE). This product line from the company now supports digital security certificates that work with public key infrastructure (PKI) — what Motorola referred to as “a framework for creating a secure method for exchanging information based on public key cryptology.”

 

For the end-user, this means plug-and-play experience for CPE without having to worry about lax security. This advantage is possible because Motorola’s equipment now enables automatic authentication of each device’s digital signature, when used in conjunction with a service provider that offers PKI certificates.

 

Thanks to this new feature, end-users no longer need to enter a username or password to prove they have access to a particular network; instead, authentication occurs automatically. Motorola said that using 802.1x (family of WiFi (News - Alert) protocols) for auto-authentication eliminates the need for point-to-point protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE).

 

“Also, only authorized devices are allowed to be connected to the network,” Motorola said in its announcement. “With this added layer of functionality, the service provider can allow only those devices that they can remotely manage, cutting down on customer service calls and related expenses.”

 

This PKI capability is now built into all of  Motorola’s Netopia (News - Alert) xDSL CPE products — gateways, modems, and routers. The feature is backed by the company’s NBBS Device Management System, which allows service providers to automate operations and boost revenue. For end-users, that means installation is significantly faster.

 

Last month, Motorola introduced its NBBS Device Management System which, as mentioned, helps operators increase revenues and reduce expenses. Automation is the key to this advantage. The system makes it possible for operators to remotely access, configure, monitor and troubleshoot consumer devices used for home networks and associated services.

 

“Today’s technology consumers are increasingly in need of experiences that are seamless and hassle free,” commented Matt Healey, research manager at IDC’s (News - Alert) software and hardware support services division, at the time of Motorola’s NBBS system announcement.