Gateway Service Request Modification for Identity Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
In a web service framework, service providers cannot offer differentiated services to different service requesters based on their identities due to the lack of identity information during the authentication process.
Innovation Solution
A gateway forwards client certificate information to the web service logic layer, modifying the service request by inserting trust state and client certificate information into the header, allowing the service provider to determine the identity of the service requester and offer tailored services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If authentication process is performed without client certificate information, then authentication can be completed, but service provider cannot identify service requester identity
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway performs preliminary action by obtaining client certificate information from the service requester before forwarding the service request to the service provider. This ensures that identity information is prepared in advance and attached to the service request, allowing the service provider to identify the service requester without disrupting the authentication flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway acts as an intermediary between the service requester and service provider. It intercepts the service request, attaches client certificate information to the request header, and forwards the modified request to the service provider. This mediator approach solves the information loss problem without requiring changes to the core authentication mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If service provider receives original service request without modification, then processing is simple, but differentiated service cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway serves as an intermediary that automatically modifies service requests by attaching client certificate information to the request header. This automation maintains ease of operation while enabling service differentiation, as the modification process is transparent and does not require manual intervention or complex configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the gateway to automatically attach relevant identity information to service requests without requiring manual configuration or intervention. The service provider can then use this information to provide differentiated services based on the service requester's identity, maintaining operational simplicity while enhancing adaptability.
3Loss of information
If client certificate information is attached to service request header, then service requester identity can be determined, but service request structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The service request header is designed to be universal and multi-functional, accommodating both traditional request information and client certificate information in a standardized format. This approach preserves identity information while maintaining a relatively simple structure, as the header extension follows standard web service protocols and does not require fundamental changes to the request format.
Data Source
AI summary
Example implementations relate to providing a web service. For example, an implementation includes a gateway to receive client certificate information from the client computing device and to determine a trust state of the client computing device based on the client certificate information. The gateway is also to receive a service request from the client computing device and to modify the service request. The implementation also includes a web service logic layer to receive the modified service request including the trust state and to determine a level of service associated with the client computing device based on the modified service request.