Edge Access Control for Offline Authentication and Fault Tolerance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing access control systems (ACS) are outdated, bulky, expensive, and network-dependent, leading to downtime and inefficiencies, with limited fault-tolerance and scalability, and require significant manpower for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An edge-based, microservices-oriented access control system utilizing artificial intelligence for real-time user authentication and authorization, enabling local data processing and instantaneous authentication, even in the absence of network connectivity, with a modular and flexible architecture for easy integration of new technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cloud-based ACS solutions are used, then centralized management is achieved, but network dependency increases and fault-tolerance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the access control functionality by deploying edge controllers at each access point that can independently authenticate users and make access decisions. Each edge controller maintains local access control lists and can operate autonomously without continuous cloud connection, thereby achieving centralized management capabilities while eliminating network dependency for critical operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The edge controllers act as intermediaries between the cloud-based management system and the physical access points. They receive policy updates and user information from the cloud when connected, but can continue to function independently when disconnected, thus mediating between centralized management requirements and fault-tolerance needs.
2Ease of operation
If network-centric ACS is used, then centralized control is achieved, but authentication latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication process is segmented into local verification at edge controllers and centralized policy management in the cloud. User credentials are verified locally against stored access control lists at the edge controllers, eliminating network latency for the critical authentication path while maintaining centralized control for policy updates and administrative functions.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional ACS controllers are used, then access control functionality is provided, but device size and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces traditional bulky hardware controllers with software-based edge controllers that can run on standard computing devices, Raspberry Pi, or even microcontrollers. This substitution of mechanical/electronic bulk with software functionality maintains full access control capabilities while dramatically reducing device size and energy consumption.
4Productivity
If cloud-based ACS is used, then scalability is achieved, but adaptability and flexibility decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic adaptability through event-driven architecture and configurable edge controllers that can adapt to different access control scenarios, credential types, and integration requirements. The cloud platform provides scalable infrastructure, while edge controllers can be dynamically configured to meet specific organizational needs, combining scalability with flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a robust and effective solution to an entity or an organization for fully ensuring people and property security by designing and developing an intelligent access control system (ACS) that can provide a smart, swift and simplified user authentication and authorization mechanism. This proposed system may be an event-driven system. A plurality of events such as location-centric, people-inspired, unplanned, and the like can be captured and acted upon by using artificial intelligence along with an adaptive control system.