Network Print Permission Verification via Server Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network printers pose security concerns as users without clearance can access high-security documents, and there is a need to ensure that only authorized users can print confidential documents and that they are printed in secure locations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a permission-based system where documents and users/ printers are assigned permission classifications and profiles, with a server verifying these permissions before allowing printing, automatically rejecting documents that do not meet criteria and canceling print jobs if authorization is insufficient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If network printers are shared to reduce costs and improve resource efficiency, then productivity and cost-effectiveness are improved, but security risks increase as unauthorized users may access confidential documents
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification of user permissions and document security classifications before allowing print jobs to proceed. The server checks user credentials, permission profiles, and document security levels in advance, blocking unauthorized print attempts before they reach the printer, thus preventing security breaches while maintaining shared printer access
Solution Approach 2:
A print server acts as an intermediary between users and network printers, mediating all print requests. The server verifies user permissions and document security classifications, then selectively forwards authorized print jobs to appropriate printers. This intermediary layer enables shared printer access while enforcing security controls
2Reliability
If permission verification systems are implemented to enhance security, then security is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The print server performs multiple functions: it manages print queues, verifies user permissions, checks document security classifications, routes print jobs to appropriate printers, and enforces security policies. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single server, the system achieves comprehensive security without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically verifies user permissions and document security classifications without requiring manual intervention. Users do not need to manually configure security settings or physically present identification; the server autonomously checks credentials and security levels, making the security process transparent and reducing operational complexity
3Reliability
If documents are held in print queues until user retrieval to ensure security, then security is improved, but time delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification of user permissions and document security classifications before documents are placed in print queues. By checking authorization in advance, the system ensures that only authorized users can retrieve their documents, maintaining security while minimizing delays since verification occurs before queuing rather than during retrieval
Data Source
AI summary
A method of printing a document, the method includes assigning a permission classification to a document to be printed; assigning a user permission profile to a user; and determining from the user permission profile and the permission classification of the document whether the user is authorized to print the document. Another method of printing a document includes assigning a permission classification to a document to be printed; assigning a printer permission profile to each of a number of network printers; and determining from the permission profile of the network printer and the permission classification of the document whether a the network printer is authorized to print the document.