CA-PK: Conditional access for broadcast networks

Abstract

This paper presents a conditional access solution suitable for broadcast networks (e.g. Eureka-147 DAB, XM Radio's SDARS, etc.). This solution, called CA-PK (Conditional Access through Public Keys), can only be implemented in software, although it can utilize external crypto processors and allows a content provider to operate a conditional access system independently of third parties (i.e. DAB or GSM network operators). Furthermore, it integrates the consumer into the protection chain, creating a social environment that discourages illegal redistribution of access keys.