Intermediary Server for Agent Enrollment and Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for enrolling and configuring loosely connected autonomous agents in computer networks are inefficient and insecure, particularly for devices that rarely or never establish a direct connection with the core server, leading to burdens on network data security and management challenges.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a cloud-based administrative server that facilitates enrollment and configuration of autonomous agents by acting as an intermediary, allowing agents to enroll and receive configuration information without a direct connection to the core server, using secure channels and authentication tokens to ensure security and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current methods are used to enroll and configure loosely connected autonomous agents, then agents can be managed, but network security is jeopardized and network burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary server that acts as a mediator between autonomous agents and the core server. This intermediary handles enrollment requests from agents that never directly connect to the core server, processes configuration information, and facilitates secure communication. By using this intermediary, the system enables loosely connected agents to be enrolled and configured without burdening the core server or compromising network security, thus resolving the contradiction between security and efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If direct connection methods are used for agent enrollment, then configuration can be performed, but devices that rarely connect to core server cannot be effectively managed
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary server enables agents with intermittent or no direct connections to the core server to still participate in the management network. The intermediary receives enrollment requests from such agents, maintains their configuration information, and facilitates communication when connections are available. This makes the system adaptable to various connectivity scenarios while maintaining ease of operation for agent management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring agents with enrollment information and authentication tokens before their first connection to the core server. The intermediary server stores configuration information and makes it available to agents when they connect, enabling seamless enrollment and configuration without requiring pre-established direct connections to the core server.
3Productivity
If traditional enrollment methods are used, then agents can be configured, but time requirements and inefficiencies increase
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary server performs preliminary actions by pre-processing enrollment requests and storing configuration information before agents need to connect to the core server. When agents do connect, the system can quickly retrieve and apply pre-configured settings, significantly reducing enrollment and configuration time compared to traditional methods where configuration is performed in real-time during the connection process.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of managing an agent by an administrative server is described. The method includes receiving an enrollment request from the agent. The agent is disconnected from a core server, and the core server is periodically connected to the administrative server. The method also includes performing a provisional enrollment procedure with the agent. The method further includes performing an enrollment procedure between the agent and the core server. The method additionally includes performing a configuration procedure between the agent and the core server.