Network Systems DesignLine | The impact of digital rights management on network security design--Part I

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The impact of digital rights management on network security design--Part I

DRM is in its infancy. So far, studios, haven't implemented a secure content distribution infrastructure, a situation similar to the chaos in VPNs. Here too an industry body such as the IEEE or IETF may build a single unifying DRM standard based on solid cryptographic principles derived from all of the work NIST has done in its cryptographic modernization.

By Al Hawtin, Elliptic Semiconductor

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Network Systems Designline
(02/28/2007 1:16 AM EST)

Security is now a major part of any network whether it is for a virtual private network, link security for wireless, or digital rights management (DRM). A network system designer must therefore have a basic understanding of the security design required for a network and how it will impact overall performance and usability. This article examines digital rights management, network design for high definition television and the impact that security has on the infrastructure of consumer-based networks.

An evolving network and DRM
Much has been written about home media networks and how they will evolve. It is clear now that no single home-network topology will reign but hybrid designs will blend a combination of wired networks as the preferred delivery mechanism of high definition content and wireless networks to enhance the use model and content distribution options required by consumers. These home networks will eventually evolve to the topology shown in Figure 1.

One important observation about the new home network is its challenging mix of speed and media. At the very top end of the speed spectrum is the requirement to transport uncompressed high definition video. 1080p (1920 x 1080 progressive or non-interlaced) resolution HDTV requires transporting bit rates up to 5 Gbps in a point-to-point network technology using HDMI. For compressed HDTV, the media of choice will be Gigabit Ethernet through Layer 2 switching infrastructure. Distribution of lower bit rate video such as traditional NTSC quality video and music will be handled over wireless networks--eventually 802.11n.

Media distribution delivered to the house would likely come in two forms--across the Internet via DSL or cable modem for youtube.com style video and through conditional access devices which will drive content into the PVR build around a large disk farm. Longer term (perhaps much longer term), consumers will wish to reach into their home network to access previously license content on the PVR/storage device and gateway across the cell phone network to download music and videos. Table 2 below outlines these diverse network requirements, security designs and topology.

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