Distributed Communication Network with Blockchain Protocol Enforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication networks face issues with data ownership, control, and security, particularly in centralized systems where data is vulnerable to cyber-attacks and misuse, and in decentralized systems like Blockchain, where data replication and lack of defined ownership persist.
Innovation Solution
A distributed communication network with computing nodes assigned to each participant, where pre-defined rules govern data sharing and access control, published on a blockchain ledger for immutability and traceability. This network uses hashing, symmetric, and asymmetric encryption to ensure secure, decentralized communication and contextual data use, allowing participants to control their data and revoke access at any time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If data is stored in a centralized system, then data access and control are simplified, but data security and ownership control deteriorate due to single points of failure and lack of user control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data storage and control across multiple distributed nodes rather than centralizing it. Each participant operates their own computing node that stores and processes data locally, eliminating the single point of failure while maintaining controlled access through cryptographic authentication and role-based permissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cryptographic protocols and smart contracts as intermediaries between data owners and data users. These intermediaries enable secure data sharing and access control without requiring centralized trust, allowing participants to maintain ownership while granting controlled access to others.
2Adaptability or versatility
If data is replicated across all blockchain nodes, then data availability and decentralization are improved, but data ownership and security deteriorate due to indiscriminate replication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by allowing different nodes to have different data availability characteristics based on their roles and permissions. Data is replicated selectively to specific nodes that have the appropriate cryptographic credentials and role-based permissions, rather than indiscriminately to all nodes, maintaining both availability and ownership control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes data replication dynamic through role-based access control and cryptographic authentication. Data availability changes dynamically based on participant roles, permissions, and authentication status, allowing the system to adapt data distribution to current security requirements while maintaining decentralization.
3Reliability
If encryption is applied to protect data security, then data confidentiality is improved, but data usability and traceability deteriorate due to inability to track data usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through blockchain-based logging and smart contracts that automatically record data access and usage events. When encrypted data is accessed, the system generates cryptographic proofs and logs usage information on the blockchain, providing traceability while maintaining data confidentiality through the encrypted nature of the actual data content.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses cryptographic intermediaries such as zero-knowledge proofs and homomorphic encryption that allow verification of data usage properties without revealing the actual data content. These intermediaries enable traceability of data usage patterns and access control while preserving the confidentiality of the encrypted data itself.
4Reliability
If role-based access control is implemented, then data security and ownership are improved, but system complexity increases due to multiple encryption schemes and protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal cryptographic framework that handles multiple encryption schemes, authentication methods, and role-based access control through a single integrated protocol. The smart contract infrastructure provides multi-functional capabilities for data sharing, access control, permission management, and usage tracking within a unified system architecture, reducing operational complexity despite the underlying cryptographic diversity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a distributed communication network comprising a plurality of computing nodes assigned to each participant of the network and a method of controlling access to data shared on said network. The computing node operates according to a set of pre-defined rules to control how a participant is able to behave on the network, that is, with whom they are able to communicate and on what basis, whilst at the same time giving the participant complete control over their data. The pre-defined rules are published to a blockchain ledger as a network protocol ledger to ensure it is immutable, traceable and easily distributed. In doing so, network protocol(s) not only specify the rules for the network but also enforces the rules on the participants to ensure it complies with the pre-defined behaviour.