NFC Tag Relay for Secured Device Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing distributed systems with limited connectivity poses challenges, as endpoint devices may not be operably connected to edge orchestrators, making it difficult to relay commands and data for effective management, especially in environments with restricted or no Internet access.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing near field communication (NFC) tags to relay commands and data between edge orchestrators and endpoint devices, allowing for queued command processing even when devices are not actively connected, thereby enabling secure and efficient management of endpoint devices at dark sites or remote locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If endpoint devices are not operably connected to edge orchestrators, then security is improved by reducing attack surface, but device management capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces NFC tags as intermediary objects between edge orchestrators and endpoint devices. These tags can be physically accessed and read/written to by authorized personnel using mobile devices, enabling command relay without requiring persistent network connectivity between the orchestrator and the secured device. This intermediary approach maintains security isolation while enabling management capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-provisions NFC tags with cryptographic credentials and command queues before deployment to remote locations. Commands are written to the tags in advance when connectivity is available, and the endpoint devices execute these pre-loaded commands when powered on or activated, eliminating the need for real-time network connectivity during operation.
2Ease of operation
If NFC tags are used to relay commands, then device management capability is improved for disconnected devices, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs low-cost NFC tags as temporary, single-use or limited-use communication intermediaries. These tags are inexpensive disposable objects that can be written to once with commands and then discarded or reused after clearing, avoiding the need for complex persistent communication infrastructure. The simplicity and low cost of NFC tags significantly reduces overall system complexity compared to maintaining always-on network connections or embedded communication modules in each endpoint device.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution ensures continuous management of endpoint devices without direct network connectivity, enhancing security by reducing the attack surface and allowing for efficient data transfer and processing, even when endpoint devices are in low power or inactive states.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing near field communication (NFC) tags to relay commands and data between edge orchestrators and endpoint devices
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for managing distributed systems are disclosed. The distributed systems may include endpoint devices that provide computer implemented services. The configuration of the endpoint devices may impact the provided computer implemented services. To manage the configuration of the endpoint devices, a communication architecture may be used that includes tags used to relay commands between orchestration and endpoint devices, and data from the endpoint devices to the orchestration devices and/or other devices.