Smart Plug Mediator for Secure Remote LAN Storage Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of mobile devices face challenges in accessing and sharing documents stored on their home network without granting others access to the network itself.
Innovation Solution
A smart plug device with a processor and communication subsystem facilitates secure access to Local Area Network (LAN) data storage from a remote mobile device, enabling operations like reading, writing, and deleting files, while maintaining network security through authentication and encryption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users share documents stored on home network, then document accessibility is improved, but network security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A smart plug device acts as an intermediary between the home network storage and remote mobile devices. The smart plug receives authentication credentials from the user's mobile device and establishes a secure tunnel connection, allowing remote devices to access documents without directly connecting to the home network. This mediator approach enables document sharing while maintaining network security isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments network access by creating isolated connection paths. The smart plug creates a separate authenticated tunnel for each remote device, segmenting the network traffic so that remote devices can access documents without gaining access to the broader home network. This segmentation maintains security boundaries while enabling document accessibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If full network access is granted for document sharing, then document sharing capability is improved, but network exposure to threats increases
Solution Approach 1:
The smart plug implements local quality control by applying specific authentication and authorization rules to each document access request. Instead of granting universal network access, the system applies granular permissions that allow document sharing operations while blocking other network activities. This localized security approach enables document sharing capability while minimizing network exposure to threats.
3Reliability
If authentication mechanisms are implemented for secure access, then network security is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication system operates in a self-service manner where the user's mobile device automatically provides authentication credentials to the smart plug without manual intervention. The smart plug automatically establishes secure tunnel connections and manages authentication states, eliminating the need for users to manually configure complex security settings. This self-service approach maintains high network security while minimizing perceived system complexity for users.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method and apparatus for allowing a user of a mobile device to securely access a storage device of a home network of the user. The method and apparatus advantageously allow for the user to share data stored on the home network with other users, or to give full or restricted access to other computing devices. The apparatus consists of a network element residing on the home network of the user, which enables communications between the network storage and the mobile device when the mobile device is in a remote location.