System, method and apparata for secure communications using an electrical grid network

Abstract

A secure communications and location authorization system using a power line or a potion thereof as a side-channel that mitigates man-in-the-middle attacks on communications networks and devices connected to those networks. The system includes a power grid server associated with a substation, or curb-side distribution structure such as a transformer, an electric meter associated with a structure having electric service and able to communicate with the power grid server, a human authorization detector input device connected to the electric meter and the power grid server. The human authorization detector is able to receive an input from a user physically located at the structure and capable of communicating with the power grid server via the electric meter. The user's physical input into the device causing a request to be sent to the power grid server that then generates a location certificate for the user. Without the location certificate, access to the communications network and devices connected to those networks can be denied.

1 - 86 . (canceled) 
     
     
         87 . A method for location authentication that demonstrates physical connectivity to at least one electric power meter installed at that location, via the ability to transmit and receive at least some data over at least a portion of the electric power grid which is connected to the power meter on the upstream side. 
     
     
         88 . A method for transmitting a signal from an alarm monitoring system at a structure, comprising the steps of:
 receiving a signal when a monitoring device is activated indicating an alarm event; and   sending to the remote monitoring server a signal over a side-channel, the signal including the signal information,   wherein the side-channel comprises of the electric power meter located at the structure that is being monitored by alarm monitoring system, and at least some portion of portion of the electrical grid upstream from the electric power meter.   
     
     
         89 . The method of  claim 88 , wherein the electronic monitoring device is part of a residential burglary or fire alarm or a flooding, earthquake, collapse, structural-integrity monitoring system.