Managed Blockchain Service Access Across Private Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managed blockchain services face challenges in enabling access across private networks, requiring complex manual coordination and limited support for external resources, which hinders participation and scalability.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a managed blockchain service with a control plane that manages network access, node management, and routing across private networks using load balancers and virtual traffic hubs, allowing external nodes to communicate with blockchain networks while maintaining privacy and scalability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual coordination is used to enable access across private networks, then access can be established, but the complexity of setup and maintenance increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a managed blockchain service as an intermediary layer between external participants and the blockchain network. This service includes components such as a control plane, data plane, and network infrastructure that automatically handle routing, networking, and access management. External participants connect to the managed service rather than directly coordinating with the blockchain network, eliminating the need for manual network configuration and reducing setup complexity.
2Reliability
If external resources are limited in the managed blockchain service, then network security and privacy are maintained, but participation and scalability are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into distinct layers: the managed blockchain service layer and the external participant layer. The managed service includes segmented components such as the control plane (for management and configuration), data plane (for data transmission), and network infrastructure (for routing and networking). This segmentation allows external resources to be incorporated through controlled interfaces while maintaining security boundaries, enabling both scalability and security.
Solution Approach 2:
The managed blockchain service provides universal access capabilities that support multiple types of external participants (different networks, devices, and applications) through a common interface. The service can handle various networking scenarios including cross-network communication, load balancing, and routing to different blockchain nodes, making it adaptable to diverse participant requirements while maintaining a secure managed environment.
3Ease of operation
If manual network configuration is required for blockchain access, then access control can be implemented, but the time and effort required for setup increases
Solution Approach 1:
The managed blockchain service implements self-service capabilities where the system automatically configures networking, routing, and access control policies. When external participants join, the service automatically provisions network connections, configures load balancers, and sets up routing rules without requiring manual intervention. This automation maintains security controls while eliminating time-consuming manual configuration tasks.
4Reliability
If the managed blockchain service supports only internal private network access, then network privacy is maintained, but external participation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The managed blockchain service acts as an intermediary that enables external participants to access the blockchain network while maintaining privacy boundaries. The service includes a data plane that routes traffic from external participants through controlled network paths to the blockchain nodes. This intermediary layer allows external access without exposing the internal blockchain network directly, preserving privacy while enabling participation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to the network architecture by introducing a managed service layer between external networks and the blockchain network. This creates a multi-layered network structure where external participants can connect through the managed service's network infrastructure, which includes load balancers, routers, and private network connections. This dimensional addition enables external access while maintaining the privacy of the core blockchain network.
Data Source
AI summary
Access across private networks may be enabled for blockchain networks in a managed blockchain service. Requests to enable access for a node hosted in a private network to one or more nodes hosted in a different private network that hosts the blockchain network as part of a managed blockchain service may be received. Routes to enable the access may be determined and added to networking devices so that communications between the node in the private network to specified nodes in the private network of the managed blockchain service may be correctly routed.