Edge Connectivity Architecture for Offline Resource Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cloud computing systems fail to seamlessly integrate edge devices, leading to increased costs, loss of connectivity, and security vulnerabilities, especially when internet access is disrupted, and lack efficient methods for dynamic resource sharing and adaptive networking.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a 'Vapornet' framework that dynamically interconnects edge devices and cloud environments using a directory service, enabling adaptive dynamic network functions (ADNF) and server agents to provide seamless resource access and sharing, even in the absence of internet connectivity, and enhances security through device validation methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cloud services are used for resource hosting and access, then service availability and scalability are improved, but service costs continuously increase and control is lost to cloud providers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cloud service model by introducing edge devices that can independently host and provide services locally. Instead of relying entirely on centralized cloud providers, services are divided between cloud infrastructure and distributed edge devices, allowing organizations to retain control of critical services while benefiting from cloud scalability for non-critical functions.
Solution Approach 2:
Edge devices are equipped with the capability to autonomously provide cloud-like services (computing, storage, networking) to local devices without continuous cloud provider intervention. This self-service capability reduces ongoing service costs and regains control while maintaining service availability through local operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If edge devices are integrated into cloud networks, then resource sharing and connectivity are improved, but security vulnerabilities increase when internet access is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic security validation that adapts to network conditions. When internet connectivity is available, standard cloud security protocols are used. When connectivity is disrupted, the system dynamically switches to local validation mechanisms using stored validation data, maintaining security while enabling continued resource sharing among edge devices.
Solution Approach 2:
Security validation data and authentication credentials are pre-loaded into edge devices before disconnection occurs. This preliminary action ensures that when internet access is disrupted, devices can immediately perform local security validation without compromising security or resource sharing capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If traditional cloud architectures are used, then centralized service management is simplified, but connectivity is lost when internet access is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameter of service management from centralized-cloud-dependent to distributed-local-autonomous. Edge devices operate with modified management parameters that allow autonomous decision-making and service provision when disconnected, while still being provisionable through cloud interfaces when connected, thus maintaining ease of operation while ensuring connectivity reliability.
4Ease of manufacture
If services are hosted remotely in the cloud, then infrastructure maintenance is reduced, but service costs increase with usage time and capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts critical service hosting functions from remote cloud infrastructure and places them in local edge devices. This extraction eliminates ongoing service costs for critical functions while maintaining the benefit of reduced infrastructure maintenance. Cloud infrastructure is retained only for non-critical services and provisioning functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A novel approach for configuring network infrastructure and connectivity that allows custom, adaptive, and cooperative interplay between all provisioned members is identified. It introduces the term “Vapornet” that represents a network cloud that extends to edge devices that may be dynamically added, removed, and configured to provide services to participants. Every Vapornet user has a distinct view of services provided by the traditional cloud along with mobile and other edge devices via his own name space. Service entities may be in the network infrastructure, or distributed within multiple edge devices, networks, or Internet. Additionally, it identifies instantiating and/or activating physical or virtual functions opportunistically in transit networks and user devices for improving service availability and quality of experience. It identifies instantiating server agents in client devices that facilitate connectivity and resource access functions in a partitioned network when connectivity to original servers is lost.