Encrypted Mobile Database Backups for Network Outage Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network failures disrupt ongoing operations that require continuous data access, such as in manufacturing plants and inventory tracking, leading to difficult or impossible retroactive repairs.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing mobile devices to create encrypted backup datasets of primary network data, distributed across multiple devices, requiring cooperation of at least two devices for decryption, ensuring secure and continuous access during network failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If data is stored centrally in a computer network, then data access efficiency is improved, but system reliability deteriorates during network failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized backup database into multiple fragmented portions and distributes them across several mobile devices. Each mobile device stores only a portion of the backup data, so that the complete backup can be reconstructed by combining portions from multiple devices. This segmentation approach maintains reliability during network failures while preserving access efficiency through distributed availability.
2Reliability
If backup databases are created for network failures, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages mobile devices that are already universally present in modern infrastructure for routine communications and applications. These existing mobile devices are repurposed to also serve as backup database nodes, eliminating the need for dedicated backup hardware or complex specialized systems. The multi-functionality of mobile devices reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If backup data is distributed across multiple mobile devices, then reliability during network failures is improved, but security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the backup database into multiple portions distributed across different mobile devices, so that no single device contains the complete backup. This segmentation inherently reduces security risks because compromising one mobile device does not expose the entire backup database. The fragmented portions are useless without combining multiple devices, providing security through distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coordination system that acts as an intermediary to manage the distributed backup portions. This intermediary controls which mobile devices can access and combine their portions, regulating security protocols and authorization. The intermediary layer provides centralized security management while maintaining the distributed architecture, balancing security requirements with access continuity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for enabling continuity of access to a primary dataset stored in a computer network is provided. The method utilizes a node, a computer processor, and non-transitory computer-readable media storing computer-executable instructions. The node is connected to the computer network. The method includes configuring the mobile device for wireless connection to the computer network. The method includes configuring the mobile device to receive indication that the node is disconnected from the computer network and transmit a copy of the primary dataset or a portion thereof from the computer network to the node. The method includes configuring the node to enable operations on the dataset copy and keep a record of them. The method includes configuring the node to receive indication that the node is connected to the computer network and transmit the record to the computer network.