Importance

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Abstract

A method and system for secure cable modem initialization in a data-over-cable system is provided using a secure protocol server. The method includes sending a unique identifier, such an Internet Protocol ('IP') address and a selected time-value, such as an approximate message send time-value, in a configuration file from a protocol server such as a Trivial File Protocol server ('TFTP'). A message integrity value is calculated using the unique identifier, the selected time-value and one or more configuration parameters in a pre-determined order with a cryptographic hashing function. The message integrity value is added to the configuration file. A cable modem receives the configuration file from the TFTP server and uses the message integrity value to authenticate the configuration file and determine if the configuration file was sent within a pre-determined period of time (e.g., 5 seconds) from the TFTP server. If not, the configuration is discarded by the cable modem. The unique identifier and selected time-value uniquely identify the configuration file for the cable modem and help prevent a rouge user from intercepting a valid cable modem configuration file and using it at a later time to initialize a rouge cable modem. The method and system provide improved security for initializing cable modems in a data-over-cable system.

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First Claim