Policy Proxy for Indirect Device Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
IT administrators face challenges in configuring IT policies for electronic devices that cannot connect to a policy server, particularly those without a suitable user interface or physical access, leading to time-consuming manual configurations and potential errors.
Innovation Solution
A system where a device can act as a proxy to receive IT policies from a policy server and relay them to other devices, including peripherals and external devices, using communication links like wireless local area networks or cellular standards, enabling policy distribution without direct server access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration is used for devices unable to connect to the policy server, then policy configuration can be achieved, but it is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
A proxy device is introduced as an intermediary between the policy server and devices that cannot connect directly. The proxy receives policies from the policy server and relays them to the target devices, eliminating the need for manual configuration while ensuring accurate policy deployment even to devices without direct server access or suitable user interfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If devices without direct server access are manually configured, then policy application is achieved, but physical access is required which is not always available
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy device serves as a mediator that extends policy server reachability to devices that would otherwise be inaccessible. By positioning the proxy within network range of both the policy server and target devices, it enables remote policy configuration without requiring physical access to devices lacking suitable user interfaces or direct server connectivity.
3Extent of automation
If direct connection to policy server is required, then automated policy distribution is achieved, but devices unable to connect cannot receive policies
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into three functional components: the policy server that creates and stores policies, the proxy device that receives and relays policies, and the target devices that apply policies. This segmentation allows devices with limited connectivity capabilities to still receive policies through the proxy intermediary, maintaining automation while expanding device compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The proxy device acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the policy server and devices unable to connect directly. It receives automated policy pushes from the server and forwards them to target devices through alternative communication channels, maintaining automated distribution while accommodating diverse device capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
In a system with a policy server, a first device able to communicate with the policy server and a second device able to communicate with the first device and unable to communicate with the policy server, the first device is to act as a policy proxy. The policy server may push to the first device a policy for the second device, and the first device may push the policy to the second device.