Multi-tenant Network Device Resource Isolation via Capability Databases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network devices lack efficient resource management and isolation mechanisms, leading to potential security breaches and information leakage due to shared access rights among tenants.
Innovation Solution
A configuration manager system that virtually divides network device resources into isolated capabilities, allowing tenants to access, configure, and assign resources while maintaining clear authority separation and revocation rights, ensuring secure and isolated data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If network device resources are shared among multiple tenants, then resource utilization and productivity are improved, but security and information isolation are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides network device resources into separate capability databases for each tenant, creating isolated access control structures. Each tenant has their own capability database that stores only their authorized resources and permissions, preventing cross-tenant access while maintaining efficient resource utilization through centralized management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a resource capability assignment mechanism that acts as an intermediary between tenants and network resources. This assignment system manages resource allocation, access rights, and revocation centrally, enabling secure multi-tenant resource sharing without direct tenant-to-tenant exposure.
2Ease of operation
If access rights are shared among tenants for resource management, then ease of operation is improved, but security risks and information leakage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments access rights by creating tenant-specific capability databases that store isolated access control information. Each tenant can manage their own resources through their dedicated capability database, maintaining ease of operation while preventing unauthorized access to other tenants' resources through structural isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by giving each tenant customized access rights and capabilities tailored to their specific needs. Each tenant's capability database contains only the resources and permissions relevant to that tenant, enabling localized resource management with appropriate security boundaries.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tenants access the same network device, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal capability database structure that serves all tenants through a common framework. The same capability database mechanism, assignment process, and revocation procedures are used across all tenants, enabling multi-tenant support without proportionally increasing complexity through standardized reusable components.
Data Source
AI summary
Example implementations relate to managing a resource of a network device. A resource of a network device may be assigned from a first tenant to a second tenant of the network device. Resources of the network device may include an assignment right, an access right, and a configuration right, By assigning the resource to the second tenant, the second tenant may be granted an access right to the assigned resource. Responsive to the assignment of the resource, an access right to the assigned resource may be removed from the first tenant such that the first tenant is isolated from the resource.