Dynamic Fragment Shuffling in P2P Backup Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional data backup and archival tools face challenges in ensuring data security and reducing infrastructure costs, particularly when relying on third-party vendors, as data remains partly exposed to compromise due to static storage of data fragments.
Innovation Solution
A peer-to-peer data backup and archival network method that partitions files into fragments, encrypts them, and periodically shuffles these fragments across different storage media, using a TTL value to dynamically change storage locations, thereby optimizing security and utilizing excess storage capacity without significant infrastructure investment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data fragments are stored statically in the same location over time, then infrastructure costs are reduced by utilizing existing servers, but data security is exposed to compromise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic shuffling of data fragments across different peer hosts at regular intervals. Instead of static storage, fragment locations change over time, requiring the system to dynamically update tracking information while maintaining security through continuous movement of data fragments across the network
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables existing peer hosts to serve multiple functions: they act as both storage media for data fragments and as part of the distributed network infrastructure. By utilizing existing servers for both storage and network participation, the system avoids dedicated infrastructure while maintaining security through distributed storage
2Reliability
If data fragments are dispersed across many different servers, then data security is improved by preventing access to the entire backup set from a single medium, but infrastructure costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages existing peer hosts that already have storage capacity and network connectivity. These hosts serve themselves by participating in the distributed backup network, providing storage resources without requiring new infrastructure investment. The system utilizes unused or excess storage capacity already present in the network
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates multiple copies of data fragments distributed across different peer hosts. Each fragment is replicated and stored on different hosts, providing redundancy and security without requiring centralized infrastructure. The copying is achieved through distributed storage across the peer-to-peer network
3Quantity of substance
If third party vendors are used for data backup and archiving, then infrastructure costs are reduced by outsourcing, but data security and confidentiality are compromised due to lack of trust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the data backup system into distributed segments across multiple peer hosts, eliminating the need for centralized third-party vendor infrastructure. Each peer host stores only a fragment, and no single entity controls the entire backup set, thereby removing the trust requirement while reducing infrastructure investment through peer-to-peer sharing
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to data backup and archival tools and provide a method, system and computer program product for periodically shuffling data fragments in a data backup set across different storage media in a peer-to-peer data backup and archival network. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for periodic shuffling of data fragments in a data backup set across different storage media in a peer-to-peer data backup and archival network can be provided. The method can include partitioning a file into multiple, different fragments for storage in a peer-to-peer data backup and archival network, storing the fragments in different peer hosts in the peer-to-peer data backup and archival network, and periodically shuffling the stored fragments to different peer hosts. In an aspect of the embodiment, the method also can include encrypting the fragments before storage in the different peer hosts.