Local Server Network Segmentation for Secure Remote Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Remote education and testing facilities often lack reliable infrastructure, such as electricity and secure internet access, making it difficult to distribute and administer educational tests securely and efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A local server system that provides a network connection between user devices and a backend computer, allowing educational test questions to be distributed and answers to be collected while blocking access to a second network during the test to ensure security and reliability, even in areas with limited infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a local server is deployed in remote locations to distribute test questions and collect answers, then accessibility and reach of testing facilities is improved, but security and reliability of the testing environment deteriorates due to lack of infrastructure control
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the network infrastructure into two distinct networks: a first network for distributing test questions and collecting answers between the local server and user devices, and a second network for uploading results to the backend computer. This segmentation allows the local server to operate independently in remote locations while maintaining security control over when and how data is transmitted to external systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The local server acts as an intermediary device between user devices and the backend computer. It receives test questions from the backend computer, distributes them to user devices via the first network, collects answers, and then uploads results to the backend computer via the second network. This intermediary role enables testing in remote locations without direct connection between user devices and the backend computer, improving both accessibility and security.
2Reliability
If the local server blocks access to the second network during testing, then test integrity and security are improved, but communication efficiency with the backend computer deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The local server implements periodic network connectivity: it connects to the second network at specific intervals to receive test questions from and upload answers to the backend computer, then blocks access to the second network during the actual testing period. This periodic action ensures test integrity by preventing unauthorized communication while maintaining necessary communication efficiency for data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The local server performs preliminary actions by establishing connection with the second network before the test begins to receive test questions and configurations from the backend computer. It then proactively blocks access to the second network before testing starts, preventing any potential communication issues during the test while ensuring all necessary data is already available locally.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the local server provides continuous network access for updates and communications, then system functionality and flexibility are improved, but risk of cheating and unauthorized access increases
Solution Approach 1:
The local server dynamically adjusts network access based on testing state. It provides network access to the first network for user devices during test administration and collection, then dynamically blocks access to the second network during the testing period. This dynamic behavior maintains system flexibility for necessary communications while eliminating risks of cheating by preventing access to external resources during testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The local server takes preliminary anti-action by blocking access to the second network before testing begins and maintaining this block throughout the testing period. This preemptive measure prevents potential cheating and unauthorized access by eliminating the possibility of real-time communication with external systems, while still allowing the system to function flexibly for test distribution and collection through the first network.
Data Source
AI summary
Generally, embodiments of the disclosure are directed to methods, computer readable medium, servers, and systems for distributing an educational test question between a backend computer and a plurality of user devices using a local server. The local server can provide a first network to a plurality of user devices and block access to a second network when a test is in progress.