Multi-tenant Authentication Framework via User Class Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-tenant computing environments face challenges in managing authentication and permissions for internal and external users, requiring different approaches and models, which can lead to complexity and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
An automated framework that selects the appropriate authentication approach based on user class and integrates multiple permissions models through interceptors and a permissions service, allowing for seamless interoperation and flexible management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different authentication approaches are used for internal and external users through different servers and web pages, then authentication can be performed using the appropriate approach for each user type, but system complexity increases and user experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway server is designed to handle multiple authentication approaches (internal users, external users, single sign-on) within a single unified system. Instead of requiring separate servers for each authentication type, the gateway server universally supports all authentication methods by detecting user class and routing to appropriate authentication services, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway server acts as an intermediary between clients and multiple authentication services. It receives authentication requests, detects the user class, selects the appropriate authentication service, and manages the authentication flow. This intermediary role simplifies the system architecture by centralizing authentication logic in one component rather than distributing it across multiple specialized servers.
2Ease of operation
If external users are integrated into the internal permissions framework, then unified permission management is achieved, but security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The permissions framework is segmented into separate models for internal users and external users. The system detects the user class and applies the appropriate permissions model (POSIX for internal users, non-POSIX for external users). This segmentation allows unified permission management through a single gateway while maintaining security by preventing external users from accessing internal permission structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Different permissions models are applied to different user classes based on their specific requirements. Internal users receive POSIX-based permissions appropriate for corporate environments, while external users receive non-POSIX permissions suited for their context. This local quality approach ensures each user group gets the most appropriate security model without compromising overall system security.
3Extent of automation
If multiple authentication services are supported through a single gateway, then automated authentication is achieved, but processing time may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway server performs preliminary detection of the user class at the beginning of the authentication process, before engaging the actual authentication service. By detecting whether the user is internal, external, or using single sign-on based on initial request information, the gateway can immediately route to the appropriate authentication service, avoiding unnecessary processing steps and minimizing authentication latency.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various embodiments for a multi-tenant authentication framework. In one embodiment, a particular user class to which a client device belongs is determined based at least in part on location-identifying information of the client device, and the client device is authenticated for access to a network resource using a particular authentication service corresponding to the particular user class.