Firewall-Aware File Transfer via Intermediary Storage Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing file transfer services face challenges in storing document files directly on storage devices within internal networks due to firewalls, making them inaccessible.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that includes a reception unit to receive electronic files and a transmission unit to send the same or derived files along with storage destination information to a communication device accessible to the storage device, allowing indirect storage on the storage device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a firewall is installed in the storage device of the internal network to protect security, then security is improved, but the file transfer service becomes inaccessible to the storage device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication device as an intermediary that can access both the file transfer service and the storage device. The file transfer service transfers files to this intermediary device, which then transfers them to the storage device behind the firewall. This mediator resolves the contradiction by providing a pathway that respects the firewall's security restrictions while enabling necessary file transfers.
2Reliability
If the file transfer service is made inaccessible to the internal network storage device due to firewall restrictions, then security is maintained, but direct file storage capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the file transfer process into two distinct stages: first, the file transfer service receives and processes files up to the firewall boundary; second, the communication device handles the transfer from the service to the storage device. This segmentation allows each component to operate within its authorized network zone, maintaining security while achieving the overall file storage objective.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication device serves as a mediator that bridges the gap between the isolated file transfer service and the protected storage device. It receives files from the service and delivers them to the storage device, effectively restoring file storage capability without compromising the firewall's security function.
3Reliability
If direct access to storage device is blocked by firewall, then network security is improved, but file transfer efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device acts as an efficient intermediary that optimizes the file transfer process across network boundaries. It handles the complexity of cross-network transfers, managing authentication, data transmission, and error handling, thereby maintaining file transfer efficiency despite the security-imposed access restrictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the file transfer service prepare and stage files before the actual transfer to the storage device. The communication device receives these pre-prepared files and handles the transfer to the storage device, dividing the work in advance to improve overall transfer efficiency while respecting firewall constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, an information processing apparatus is an apparatus that is not accessible to a storage device. The information processing apparatus includes a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver receives a first electronic file. The transmitter transmits a second electronic file, which is the same electronic file as the first electronic file or an electronic file generated based on the first electronic file, and storage destination information indicating a storage area of the storage device as a storage destination of the second electronic file to a communication device accessible to the storage device.