Encoding Configuration Data in Executable Filenames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for implementing micro-segmentation in computer networks are cumbersome and resource-intensive, requiring separate downloads and code signing for network security software and configuration files across multiple end-point devices, leading to operational overheads and inefficiencies, especially in large networks with limited computational resources.
Innovation Solution
A method that encodes configuration information into the filename of a software executable file, allowing a single instance of the software to be downloaded and installed across multiple devices with dynamic customization, using a symbolic link to point to the storage location of the executable file while embedding metadata and checksums for integrity verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separate configuration files are created and transmitted for each end-point device, then configuration accuracy and device-specific customization are improved, but transmission time and operational overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the configuration file and software executable into a single unified package. The configuration information is embedded within the executable file itself, eliminating the need for separate configuration file transmission. This merging reduces the number of downloads required while maintaining device-specific configuration accuracy through embedded metadata that identifies target devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal software package that can be deployed to multiple end-point devices simultaneously. By embedding configuration information and device identification metadata within the executable, a single universal package serves multiple specific configuration needs, eliminating the requirement for separate customized packages for each device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instances of network security software are created for different devices, then device-specific configuration capability is improved, but computational resources and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple software instances into a single universal executable that contains embedded configuration data for multiple devices. Instead of creating separate software instances for each end-point device, the single executable includes device identification metadata and configuration information, allowing it to adapt to multiple devices without requiring proportional increases in storage or computational resources.
3Reliability
If code signing is performed on multiple software instances, then security and authenticity verification are improved, but processing time and operational overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple software instances into a single executable file, which requires only one code signing operation instead of multiple separate signings. This single signing process maintains security and authenticity verification for the universal package that will be deployed to multiple devices, significantly reducing the time and operational overhead associated with repeated code signing operations.
4Reliability
If separate downloads are required for software and configuration files, then download integrity and verification are improved, but network bandwidth consumption and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the software executable and configuration file into a single unified download package. The configuration information is embedded within the executable file, so users only need to download one file instead of two separate files. This merging maintains download integrity through standard verification mechanisms while significantly reducing installation complexity by eliminating the need to manually match and coordinate separate configuration files with software instances.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system and computer program product are envisaged for facilitating encoding ‘configuration information’ corresponding to a software application, within a filename assigned to the software application. The software application is embodied in a ‘computer executable file’, while the corresponding ‘configuration information’ is incorporated into a configuration file. The computer executable file is referenced by a symbolic link, and the symbolic link is assigned a file name. A file path referencing the storage location of the configuration file is created and embedded within the filename. A checksum created on the basis of the filename is also embedded there within. Upon transmission, the symbolic link is accessed by each of the end-point computer devices, which process the symbolic link and access the ‘computer executable file’ and the ‘configuration file’ incorporating configuration information relevant to the ‘computer executable file’.