Secure Mesh Command Framework for Network Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large-scale networks face challenges in efficiently distributing network management commands due to unknown optimal connection routes, reliance on rigid control hierarchies, and the need to minimize 'hops' for command transmission, which can reduce responsiveness and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A secure mesh command and control framework allows lower-level targets to share network configuration commands directly without supervisory hosts, using a common certificate authority for trusted relationships and auto-discovered pathways, enabling direct interaction and secure channel establishment between targets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If commands are transmitted through supervisory hosts in a rigid control hierarchy, then security and centralized control are maintained, but responsiveness and flexibility of network management are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized command distribution function into distributed peer-to-peer command sharing among targets. Instead of all commands flowing through supervisory hosts, targets can directly share commands with each other, creating segmented command distribution paths that maintain security through established channels while improving flexibility and responsiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to the traditional hierarchical command structure by enabling horizontal command sharing between targets at the same level. This creates a mesh-like structure that supplements the vertical hierarchy, allowing commands to propagate through multiple dimensions (both through supervisory hosts and directly between targets), thereby enhancing flexibility without compromising security.
2Reliability
If commands traverse multiple network nodes or 'hops' to reach target machines, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but transmission efficiency and responsiveness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having targets pre-establish secure communication channels and maintain command sharing capabilities before commands need to be transmitted. Targets are pre-configured with the ability to directly share commands with other targets, so when management commands need to be distributed, they can immediately propagate through established channels without needing to traverse multiple intermediate hops, thus improving transmission efficiency while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
3Reliability
If a rigid control hierarchy is used where only supervisory hosts can issue commands, then centralized security control is maintained, but the ability of lower-level machines to perform management functions directly is curtailed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the centralized control model with distributed peer-to-peer command sharing. Targets maintain the ability to issue and share commands directly with each other while still operating within the oversight framework of supervisory hosts. This combination allows lower-level machines to perform management functions autonomously when needed, improving ease of operation, while the overall system remains under centralized security control through the supervisory host architecture.
4Reliability
If commands are repeatedly transmitted over large-scale networks, then reliability of delivery is improved, but network bandwidth consumption and transmission time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements copying by enabling targets to replicate and share commands directly with other targets through peer-to-peer communication. Instead of repeatedly transmitting the same command through multiple hops from the source, a single command can be copied and distributed across the network through direct target-to-target sharing, significantly reducing network bandwidth consumption while maintaining reliable delivery across large-scale networks.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to systems and methods for network management using a secure mesh command and control framework. A network management server can communicate with a set of supervisory hosts, which in turn communicate with an underlying set of targets. The set of targets can have associated digital certificates which can be authenticated by common certificate authorities. A controlled target can authenticate one or more other target requesting access to the controlled target via the trusted common certificate authority. One authenticated target can therefore mesh on a trusted basis with another target to perform installation, monitoring, testing, or other activities directly on the target of interest, without channeling commands through an intervening supervisory host.