Communication Apparatus Security via Client-Server Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication apparatuses lack adequate security measures when receiving data from external apparatuses operating as clients, particularly in configurations where security issues arise due to potential unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus that includes a processor and memory, executing instructions to transmit a request to a first external apparatus while functioning as a client, receive specific data from a second external apparatus while functioning as a server, and execute security processes upon receiving the data, thereby enhancing security by controlling data transmission and access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the communication apparatus receives requests from external apparatuses operating as clients, then the web server can be published on the Internet, but security issues arise due to potential unauthorized access from third party apparatuses
Solution Approach 1:
The communication apparatus performs a preliminary security check by transmitting a test request to an external apparatus before allowing the web server to be published. This preliminary action verifies whether the external apparatus is an anticipated client or an unauthorized third party, preventing security issues before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication apparatus acts as an intermediary between external apparatuses and the web server. It mediates by receiving and verifying requests from external apparatuses, determining whether they are authorized clients, and only then allowing communication with the web server, thus preventing unauthorized access.
2Reliability
If the communication apparatus performs security checks by receiving requests as a server, then security issues can be detected, but the apparatus cannot adequately execute security processes when receiving data from external apparatuses operating as clients
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of only receiving requests as a server, the communication apparatus inverts the approach by also transmitting requests as a client to external apparatuses. This allows the apparatus to actively verify whether external apparatuses are authorized to send requests, improving both security detection and process execution capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication apparatus uses feedback from the responses of external apparatuses to determine whether they are authorized clients. By analyzing whether external apparatuses respond appropriately to transmitted requests, the system can reliably detect and execute security processes, ensuring both security and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication apparatus includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores computer-readable instructions therein. The computer-readable instructions, when executed by the processor, causes the communication apparatus to perform: transmitting to a first external apparatus, which is connected to the communication apparatus via Internet, a request to request data transmission while the communication apparatus functions as a client and the first external apparatus functions as a server; after transmitting the request, receiving specific data as a response to the request from a second external apparatus which is connected to the communication apparatus via the Internet while the second external apparatus functions as a client and the communication apparatus functions as a server; and executing a specific process related to security after receiving the specific data.