Smart Contract Network Testing Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network security testing processes are manual, prone to errors, and time-consuming, which can lead to inefficiencies and inaccuracies in assessing network vulnerabilities.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing smart contracts and a ledger (such as blockchain) to automate the configuration and execution of network tests, ensuring agreement on test terms between entities and reducing manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual process is used to set up test agreements and configure tests, then flexibility in negotiating test terms is maintained, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processes of test configuration and agreement setup with an automated smart contract system. The smart contract platform automatically negotiates test terms, configures test parameters, and executes tests without manual intervention, thereby improving productivity while the system complexity is encapsulated within the automated platform rather than increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The smart contract system enables self-service automation where the platform automatically performs test setup, configuration, and execution based on predefined terms. The system serves itself by automatically negotiating agreements, allocating resources, and managing test workflows without requiring manual administrative intervention, thus significantly improving efficiency
2Measurement precision
If manual testing configuration is used, then human judgment in test design is applied, but errors and inaccuracies increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual test configuration with automated smart contract-based testing. The system automatically interprets test objectives, configures parameters, and executes tests with precision, eliminating human errors in configuration while the time investment is shifted to the automated system's processing time rather than manual configuration time
Solution Approach 2:
The smart contract system incorporates feedback mechanisms that automatically verify test results against predefined criteria and provide real-time validation. This feedback loop ensures accuracy by automatically checking configurations and results, reducing errors that would occur in manual verification processes
3Productivity
If automated smart contract system is implemented, then testing efficiency and accuracy improve, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The smart contract platform is designed as a universal system that handles multiple functions including agreement negotiation, test configuration, execution, and result validation through a single integrated framework. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise be separate complex systems into one unified platform, improving efficiency without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a smart contract intermediary layer between the testing entities and the actual test execution. This intermediary automatically handles the complexity of coordination, configuration, and monitoring, allowing the main system to remain simpler while achieving automated efficiency through the intermediary's specialized functions
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a method stores an executable contract in a ledger. The executable contract is for a test to be performed on a network and includes terms for the test. The method receives an indication of traffic that is received at a network device. It is determined that the traffic is associated with the executable contract that is stored in the ledger based on the terms of the test. The method responds to the network device with a response indicating that the traffic is associated with the executable contract. The network device allows the traffic to be sent to a destination on the network to perform an operation for the test.