Edge Peer-to-Peer Asset Distribution for Air-Gapped Device Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endpoint devices in edge compute environments require secure and efficient configuration without external connectivity, as they are often air-gapped and lack sufficient resources to protect against external threats, necessitating a method for updating and configuring these devices while preserving security and optimizing resource usage.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an orchestrator as the sole connection to external environments and establishing an internal peer-to-peer file sharing infrastructure using a torrent protocol, allowing endpoint devices to share configuration data efficiently and securely within the edge compute environment, with the orchestrator managing data availability and retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If endpoint devices are connected to external networks for configuration and updates, then device functionality and service provision are improved, but security is compromised due to exposure to external threats
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the configuration distribution process into two distinct phases: an initial phase where the orchestrator distributes configuration data to endpoint devices, and a subsequent peer-to-peer phase where devices share configurations among themselves. This segmentation allows the orchestrator to maintain security control while enabling functional adaptability through internal sharing without external connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The orchestrator serves as an intermediary between external configuration sources and endpoint devices. It receives configuration data externally, validates and processes it, then distributes it securely to devices. This intermediary role protects devices from direct exposure to external threats while maintaining the ability to receive updates and maintain functionality.
2Loss of energy
If configuration data is stored on multiple endpoint devices for sharing, then resource efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to peer-to-peer infrastructure management
Solution Approach 1:
Endpoint devices automatically participate in the peer-to-peer configuration sharing network without requiring manual configuration or intervention. Each device that receives configuration data automatically becomes a source for other devices, eliminating the need for centralized management of file transfers and reducing infrastructure complexity while maximizing resource efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the roles of configuration consumer and configuration distributor into a single endpoint device. Devices that receive configurations automatically become distribution nodes, combining multiple functions into one component and simplifying the overall infrastructure while improving resource utilization across the network.
3Reliability
If endpoint devices have sufficient resources for security protection, then security is improved, but resource availability for other tasks is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Security validation and processing of configuration data is performed in advance by the orchestrator before distribution to endpoint devices. The orchestrator validates configurations, checks for security issues, and prepares data for distribution, eliminating the need for endpoint devices to dedicate significant resources to security verification while maintaining strong security protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The orchestrator acts as a security intermediary that handles all security-critical operations including validation, authentication, and encryption/decryption of configuration data. This relieves endpoint devices from the burden of implementing comprehensive security mechanisms, allowing them to maintain security protection while preserving resources for productivity tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for managing an edge compute environment comprising endpoint devices and an orchestrator are disclosed. In particular, an internal peer-to-peer file sharing infrastructure exclusive to the edge compute environment is established using the endpoint devices and the orchestrator. The internal peer-to-peer file sharing infrastructure exclusive to the edge compute environment may then be used to retrieve and distribute data used for configuring one or more of the endpoint devices to allow the endpoint devices to provide one or more computer-implemented services to one or more users associated with the edge compute environment. For security of the endpoint devices, only the orchestrator is able to communicate with data processing systems external to the edge compute environment.