Common Credential Sharing for Non-Enterprise Network Resource Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In non-enterprise computer networks, sharing resources among computing devices is challenging due to the requirement of associating credentials with individual users rather than devices, limiting resource access to only those with proper credentials.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a common set of credentials stored on each computing device within a network, allowing devices to share resources without relying on user-specific credentials, utilizing a peer-to-peer communication model and local accounts to facilitate access across devices in a homegroup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If user-specific credentials are used for resource sharing, then security and user accountability are improved, but ease of operation and resource accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the credential system into two distinct components: user-specific credentials (for accountability and security) and device-specific credentials (for ease of access). This segmentation allows each credential type to serve its specific purpose without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between security and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces device-specific credentials as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the resource sharing system. These device credentials act as a mediator that enables automatic resource sharing based on device identity, eliminating the need for users to manually manage sharing permissions while maintaining security through the dual-credential approach.
2Reliability
If user-specific credentials are required for resource sharing, then security control is improved, but device complexity and configuration difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the authentication system into separate user credential management and device credential management components. This segmentation simplifies configuration by allowing device-specific credentials to be set up once at the device level, independent of user accounts, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining security controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables devices to automatically manage their own credentials and participate in resource sharing without requiring complex manual configuration. The device-specific credentials allow the system to self-configure sharing relationships based on device identity, reducing the burden on users and administrators while maintaining security.
3Reliability
If credentials are associated with individual users, then user-specific access control is improved, but network adaptability and resource sharing capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal credential system where devices can share resources through device-specific credentials regardless of which user is logged in. This multi-functional approach allows the same device credential to enable resource sharing across multiple user sessions and scenarios, enhancing network adaptability while user-specific credentials maintain access control security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic resource sharing capability where device-specific credentials enable flexible sharing relationships that can change based on device presence and network conditions, rather than being statically tied to specific users. This dynamic approach improves adaptability while user credentials continue to provide secure access control.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and computer storage media for sharing resources between a plurality of computing devices associated with a common non-enterprise network. A common set of credentials is stored on at least two or more of a plurality of computing devices that reside behind a routing device and are associated through a common non-enterprise network. Upon storing the common set of credentials, each of the two or more of a plurality of computing devices create a local account that contains, at least, the common set of credentials. The common set of credentials allow for the sharing, among the two or more of the plurality of computing devices, of resource that reside on or are associated with the computing devices.