P2P Downloading with Server-Managed Authentication and Checksums
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current software deployment methods, whether through physical means or networks, face challenges such as time-consuming resource-intensive processes, network congestion, and security concerns, especially when deploying to multiple devices or using peer-to-peer (P2P) protocols which lack bandwidth control, secure communication, and authentication.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for peer-to-peer (P2P) downloading where a server coordinates file transfer between devices, issues signed certificates for secure communication, and manages download requests by providing checksums and authorization tokens to ensure secure and efficient transfer of file portions across multiple peer devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a server provides files to multiple devices, then file distribution is achieved, but network congestion and overload occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the file into multiple parts and distributes them to different peer devices. Instead of one server serving all clients sequentially, the file is divided and cached across multiple nodes, allowing parallel downloads and reducing network congestion on any single server.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces peer devices as intermediaries between the original server and subsequent clients. These peers cache file portions and serve other clients, effectively mediating the file distribution process and reducing the burden on the original server.
2Productivity
If P2P protocol is used for file sharing, then network burden is reduced, but lack of bandwidth control and secure communication occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as an intermediary that issues signed certificates to peer devices before they engage in P2P communication. This maintains the security benefits of server-authenticated P2P while allowing the speed benefits of peer-to-peer transfers.
Solution Approach 2:
The server performs preliminary authentication by issuing signed certificates to peer devices before they begin file transfers. This preliminary security measure ensures that only authorized devices can participate in P2P downloads, establishing trust before the actual file transfer occurs.
3Productivity
If P2P protocol is used for file sharing, then server burden is reduced, but authentication and authorization before download is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The server issues signed certificates to peer devices as a preliminary action before they engage in file sharing. This ensures authentication and authorization are established before any download occurs, preventing unauthorized access while maintaining efficient P2P transfers.
4Reliability
If physical connection is used for software deployment, then deployment is achieved, but time-consuming and resource intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical deployment method with a network-based P2P system. Instead of physically connecting devices to transfer software, the system uses network communications allowing simultaneous downloads across multiple devices, dramatically reducing deployment time while maintaining reliability through authentication mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method, system, and device for peer-to-peer downloading across a network. To illustrate, a server may receive a request from a peer device for at least a portion of a file. The server may send, to the peer device, download information including a checksum corresponding to the portion of the file, a token corresponding to authorization for the peer device to perform P2P communication, an indicator that identifies at least one device that includes the portion of the file, or a combination thereof. The server may update tracking information to indicate that the peer device received the portion of the file.