P2P Mesh MDM Dashboard for Offline Device Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing peers in a peer-to-peer (P2P) network, particularly when devices are not connected to the Internet, is challenging, as they may operate in a rogue manner and expose data due to the lack of centralized management.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dashboard that provides a centralized platform for mobile device management (MDM) in a P2P mesh network, enabling device monitoring and command transmission even when devices are not connected to the Internet, using a service connected via P2P mesh network connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a centralized service pushes policy to devices directly connected to the Internet, then devices with Internet connection can be managed effectively, but devices not connected to the Internet cannot receive policies and may operate in a rogue manner
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary devices (peers with Internet connection) that act as relay nodes to forward MDM policies and commands to isolated devices through P2P mesh network connections. This mediator approach enables policy delivery to devices without direct Internet access while maintaining centralized management control.
Solution Approach 2:
The network is segmented into multiple P2P mesh connections where each peer can independently relay information. This segmentation allows the system to bypass the need for direct Internet connection at each device by creating alternative communication paths through other peers in the mesh network.
2Ease of operation
If a centralized service is used for MDM, then policy distribution is simplified, but network scalability and resilience are reduced compared to P2P architectures
Solution Approach 1:
Each peer in the P2P mesh network performs multiple functions: it acts as both an endpoint for policy reception and as a relay node for forwarding policies to other peers. This multi-functionality enables the system to maintain centralized management simplicity while achieving P2P scalability and resilience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the characteristics of centralized management (simple policy distribution from a single service) with decentralized network topology (P2P mesh for scalability). The centralized service maintains authority while the P2P mesh provides the communication infrastructure, combining the advantages of both approaches.
3Adaptability or versatility
If devices operate autonomously without centralized management, then network autonomy is improved, but security and data protection are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
MDM policies are pushed to devices in advance through the P2P mesh network before devices may potentially operate autonomously. This preliminary action ensures that security policies, configuration settings, and protection mechanisms are already in place on devices even before they disconnect from the network, preventing rogue operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for implementing an MDM platform with a P2P mesh network are disclosed. This MDM platform uses a dashboard to facilitate the control of the devices/peers in the P2P mesh network. This network includes: (i) a service, (ii) a first device, and (iii) a second device. The first device is connected to the service by way of a first P2P mesh network connection between the first device and the service. The second device is connected to the service by way of (i) a second P2P mesh network connection between the second device and the first device and (ii) the first P2P mesh network connection between the first device and the service. Data is transmitted using those connections. A dashboard displays the data. The dashboard can also be used to trigger MDM commands to any device in the P2P mesh network, including those that are not connected to the Internet.