Load Control Configuration Backup with Triggered Secure Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load control systems lack an efficient method for generating and storing backups of configuration information without impacting ongoing operations and ensuring security by isolating communication between backup and storage devices.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a processor and memory configured to receive messages, determine trigger points, and initiate backup processes, including generating a backup, signing it, and communicating it to a network device, while ensuring security through private network communication and minimizing operational impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If backup of configuration files is generated and stored at a separate server, then security is improved by isolating communication between backup and storage devices, but device complexity increases due to multiple network devices and communication protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the backup function into separate network devices: the load control system generates backups locally, signs them cryptographically, and communicates only the signature and file information to the remote server. The actual file transfer occurs through structured network messages that separate authentication data from file data, reducing the complexity of secure communication.
Solution Approach 2:
A cryptographic signature acts as an intermediary mechanism between the load control system and the remote server. Instead of requiring direct trusted communication channels, the signed backup message serves as a mediator that proves authenticity without exposing sensitive authentication mechanisms, thereby improving security while managing complexity.
2Productivity
If backup process is initiated on-demand based on trigger points, then productivity is improved by allowing ongoing operations to continue, but loss of information increases if changes occur between backup triggers
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback through trigger points that monitor configuration file changes. When a trigger point is detected (indicating a configuration change), the system automatically initiates a backup process. This feedback mechanism ensures that backups are generated timely based on actual system state changes, minimizing information loss while allowing ongoing operations to continue between triggers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing multiple trigger points and monitoring mechanisms before configuration changes occur. The backup system is pre-configured with trigger levels and thresholds, so when changes happen, the backup process can be initiated immediately without waiting for scheduled intervals, thus preventing information loss while maintaining productivity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple trigger points with different trigger levels are monitored, then measurement precision is improved for detecting configuration changes, but device complexity increases due to multiple monitoring parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by assigning different trigger levels and monitoring parameters to different configuration files or system components. Instead of using a single uniform monitoring approach, each trigger point can have customized thresholds and parameters appropriate to its specific function, improving detection precision while managing complexity through localized rather than global monitoring strategies.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for generating a backup of configuration information files at a system controller and storing this backup at a server via the use of a network device.