Automated Remote Device Sharing via File System Key Directories
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manually setting up secure connections from a first device to multiple remote devices over a network is tedious and error-prone, especially when public/private key pairs are involved.
Innovation Solution
A method involving maintaining data records with public keys for source devices, configuring a primary target device with user-specific and global directories, and setting up secondary target devices with automatic updates, allowing users to access devices based on public key evaluations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual setup of secure connections is used, then security can be maintained through public/private key pairs, but the process becomes tedious and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the first device automatically distributes its public key to multiple second devices without human intervention. The automation engine on the first device performs key distribution, connection establishment, and configuration updates autonomously, eliminating manual setup while maintaining security through cryptographic key pairs.
Solution Approach 2:
The public key of the first device is pre-distributed and stored in memory of all second devices before actual connection needs arise. This preliminary key distribution enables immediate secure connections without manual configuration at connection time, resolving the contradiction between security maintenance and operational ease.
2Ease of operation
If automated key distribution is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automation functionality is segmented into distinct components: an automation engine on the first device for key distribution and connection management, and automation clients on second devices for receiving keys and establishing connections. This segmentation isolates complexity to specific modules while keeping the overall system manageable and the user experience simple.
3Productivity
If multiple users access multiple remote devices, then productivity increases, but user tracking and management becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The automation engine implements universal functionality that handles multiple users, multiple devices, and multiple connection types through a single unified system. The same automation engine manages key distribution, connection establishment, and configuration updates across all users and devices, eliminating the need for separate management systems and reducing overall complexity despite increased productivity capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are provided for automated sharing of remote devices by multiple users using a file system. One method comprises maintaining public keys for source devices associated with users; configuring a primary target device to provide a file system that comprises: (i) a user-specific directory for each of the users, and (ii) a global directory accessible by the users, wherein the user-specific directory for a given user comprises the public key for the source devices associated with the given user; and configuring a secondary target device to provide a copy of the file system, wherein updates to the file system are provided to the secondary target device, and wherein the given user accesses the primary and/or the secondary target device, using a particular source device, based on an evaluation of the public key for the particular source device obtained from the user-specific directory for the given user.