Dynamic IPv6 address rotation for network privacy
This technology automatically hides the true network addresses and port numbers of devices communicating over IPv6 by continuously rotating them using a shared secret known only to the two devices talking to each other. Because both endpoints independently calculate what the current obscured address should be, no central server or outside manager is needed to coordinate the changes. The result is that outside observers — including would-be attackers or trackers — cannot easily follow a conversation, correlate traffic patterns, or target a device by its address. The system also encrypts packet payloads and can be deployed either inside a device or as a gateway appliance with minimal configuration.
What you could build
A lightweight firmware module or edge gateway appliance that provides built-in address-rotation privacy for enterprise IoT fleets, remote workers, or sensitive government endpoints — sold to enterprise network security teams, managed security service providers, or OEM device manufacturers embedding privacy at the hardware level.
Who in Virginia should care
Northern Virginia's dense concentration of federal contractors, intelligence community integrators (Booz Allen, SAIC, Leidos), and cloud/network infrastructure firms makes this a natural fit for government-facing network privacy solutions.
Readiness: Prototype likely
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Stephen L. Groat, Matthew W. Dunlop, William M. Urbanski, Randolph C. Marchany, Joseph Tront
- Granted
- October 4, 2016
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 9461875
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.