Edge Computing Delegate Authentication Protocol
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current distributed computing systems on the edge struggle to fully utilize the diverse capabilities of heterogeneous devices, often relying on central controllers and failing to create an ecosystem where devices with specialized capabilities can efficiently share resources, leading to underutilization of individual device resources.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that establish a cooperative membership model where devices interact through a trusted entity, delegates, and suppliers to share resources, with a protocol that allows devices to search for other devices to perform tasks using available resources, including sending authentication challenges and determining valid solutions to proceed with request handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central controller is used to coordinate devices in a distributed computing system, then system control and coordination are improved, but device resource utilization and system efficiency deteriorate due to the bottleneck effect and underutilization of individual device capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control function from a centralized controller and distributes it across multiple delegate devices. Each delegate device can independently authenticate suppliers and coordinate tasks, eliminating the single-point bottleneck while maintaining system control through distributed decision-making among delegates
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the control authority by dividing delegates into different groups based on their capabilities and roles. Each segment (delegate group) can autonomously manage specific tasks and suppliers, allowing parallel processing and better utilization of diverse device capabilities across the distributed system
2Adaptability or versatility
If devices with specialized capabilities are introduced to the distributed system, then system versatility and task handling capability are improved, but resource sharing efficiency deteriorates due to lack of coordination mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal delegate role that can perform multiple functions: authenticating suppliers, coordinating tasks, managing resources, and communicating with requesters. This multi-functional delegate design allows diverse devices with specialized capabilities to be integrated into a unified coordination framework, enabling both versatility and efficient resource sharing
Solution Approach 2:
The delegate acts as an intermediary between requesters and suppliers, facilitating efficient resource sharing by matching task requirements with supplier capabilities. The intermediary coordinates resource allocation, authenticates interactions, and optimizes the use of specialized device capabilities across the distributed system
3Reliability
If authentication mechanisms are implemented to ensure secure device interactions, then system security is improved, but communication overhead and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary authentication where delegates authenticate suppliers in advance before tasks are assigned. This pre-authentication establishes trust relationships beforehand, allowing subsequent task assignments and resource sharing to proceed without repeated authentication overhead, thus reducing processing time while maintaining security
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method includes: receiving, by a computing device, a request from a requester; determining, by the computing device, one or more delegates that are currently capable of handling the request; sending, by the computing device, a request package to each of the one or more delegates, the request package including an authentication challenge; receiving, by the computing device, a solution to the authentication challenge from a supplier, the solution being provided by a particular delegate of the one or more delegates; determining, by the computing device, the solution to the authentication challenge is valid; and instructing, by the computing device and in response to determining the solution to the authentication challenge is valid, the particular delegate to proceed with handling the request.