Central Server Mediator for Secure Peer-to-Peer Storage Sharing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for managing user data in storage appliances over a wide area network lack efficient methods for propagating changes across linked virtual containers and providing secure, peer-to-peer access to shared data, especially between registered and non-registered users.
Innovation Solution
A computer program product that enables data propagation and access management by using a central server to facilitate requests for changes in virtual containers, establish peer-to-peer connections, and manage access permissions, allowing secure data updates and sharing between storage appliances without central service visibility to user data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central server is used to manage access permissions and coordinate data propagation, then data security and access control are improved, but system complexity and central service load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a central server as an intermediary that manages access permissions, coordinates data propagation between storage appliances, and maintains the database of sharing relationships. This mediator handles the complex security and coordination tasks centrally, allowing individual storage appliances to remain relatively simple while maintaining strong security controls through the central authority.
2Adaptability or versatility
If data is propagated across wide area network to remote storage appliances, then data sharing capability is improved, but network bandwidth consumption and transmission time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by allowing data to be cached locally on multiple storage appliances within the same virtual container. When data is accessed, the system can retrieve it from a local cache on the same appliance or a nearby appliance in the replication group, rather than always fetching from remote locations across the wide area network. This reduces network bandwidth consumption while maintaining data sharing capability.
3Productivity
If peer-to-peer connections are established between storage appliances, then data access efficiency is improved, but security risks and connection management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The central server acts as a trusted intermediary that establishes and manages peer-to-peer connections between storage appliances. Instead of allowing direct unsolicited connections, the central server mediates the connection process, verifying permissions and authorizing connections based on the database of sharing relationships. This maintains the efficiency of peer-to-peer data transfer while reducing security risks through centralized control.
4Adaptability or versatility
If virtual containers are linked across multiple storage appliances, then data redundancy and accessibility are improved, but synchronization complexity and storage overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where storage appliances report their data state to the central server, which then coordinates synchronization across the replication group. The central server monitors changes in virtual containers and directs updates to appropriate appliances, ensuring data consistency across the distributed system. This feedback loop simplifies synchronization complexity by providing centralized coordination while maintaining data accessibility across multiple appliances.
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments, the present invention relates to systems and methods for managing user data in a plurality of storage appliances coupled to a wide area network. In some embodiments, the present invention relates to systems and methods that allow users to view and manipulate files in a shared virtual container. In other embodiments, the present invention also relates to systems and methods that allow users to access virtual containers located on storage appliances that are owned by other users.