Secure Branch Printing via Cloud Intermediary Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for remote or branch printing face challenges in securely routing print jobs to remote locations without additional IT infrastructure, especially in environments with dynamic IP addresses and a lack of centralized network management.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for configuring a secure print path using Distributed Domain Name Services (DDNS), Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) over Secure Socket Layer (SSL), and Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) to route print jobs securely to remote printers, eliminating the need for on-site software or hardware and enabling secure job spooling and device communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If print jobs are routed to remote printers without additional IT infrastructure, then ease of operation is improved, but security is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication system that mediates between the user and the remote printer. This intermediary verifies user credentials and manages secure job spooling, allowing easy remote printing while maintaining security through controlled access. The intermediary layer handles security protocols without requiring user awareness of complex security mechanisms.
2Reliability
If centralized network management is implemented for branch printing, then reliability is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts centralized network management requirements from the branch printer setup and relocates them to a cloud-based service. This extraction allows branch printers to operate independently with minimal local infrastructure while maintaining centralized control for reliability. The complex management functions are taken out of the local device complexity and handled remotely.
3Reliability
If additional IT assets are deployed at remote locations, then security is improved, but loss of substance is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal cloud-based printing service that multi-functions as both a security mechanism and a print management system. This universal service eliminates the need for separate security infrastructure and print management assets at remote locations, providing both security and functionality through a single distributed service that reduces overall substance deployment.
4Reliability
If manual IT support is required for branch printing setup, then security is improved, but loss of time is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service capabilities that allow users to automatically connect to and print from remote locations without manual IT support. The system autonomously handles authentication, job routing, and secure spooling, providing security through automated protocols while eliminating the time loss associated with manual setup and support intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for branch printing. A secure print path to a remote printer can be configured from a device from which a print job originates. The secure print path is configured to include secure device communications and secure job spooling. The print job can be routed via port forwarding to the remote printer for rendering (e.g., printing) at the remote printer. Configuring the secure print path can involve employing an SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) and an IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) over an SSL (Secure Socket Layer) to train a print server to determine the optimal pooling path for the secure print path.