Social Network Data Mesh Architecture for Local Storage and Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
User data on social networks remains accessible even after account deletion and is vulnerable to security breaches due to inadequate control over data dissemination and storage.
Innovation Solution
A method where user data is stored locally on a communicating device, with a server managing a mesh network associating unique identifiers with IP addresses, ensuring data accessibility only when the device is connected and online, and using security elements like SIM cards for authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If user data is stored on a centralized server, then data accessibility and management are improved, but data security and user control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data storage architecture by dividing data into two categories: static data (stored on server) and dynamic data (stored on user device). This segmentation allows the system to maintain centralized management for static information while giving users direct control over dynamic information, thereby resolving the contradiction between accessibility and security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the server acts as a coordinator rather than a universal storage repository. The server manages the mesh network topology and facilitates connections, but actual dynamic data remains on user devices. This intermediary role allows centralized management benefits while preserving user control and security.
2Reliability
If user data is stored locally on user devices, then data security and user control are improved, but data accessibility and network management deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal mesh network protocol that enables peer-to-peer data sharing across diverse devices. Each user device can both store and retrieve data, and can act as both client and server. This multi-functionality ensures that data accessibility is maintained through multiple pathways while security is preserved through local storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the centralized server continuously monitors and updates the mesh network topology, device availability, and connection status. This feedback enables the system to dynamically route data requests through available nodes, ensuring accessibility even when individual devices are offline, while maintaining local data control.
3Device complexity
If centralized server stores all user data, then data management is simplified, but vulnerability to hacker attacks and data breaches increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data repository into server-managed static data and device-managed dynamic data. This segmentation reduces the attack surface on centralized servers since they no longer hold complete user profiles including sensitive dynamic information. Even if servers are compromised, attackers cannot access dynamically stored personal data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different security and management qualities to different data types. Static data (usernames, basic profiles) is managed centrally with simplified access control, while dynamic data (personal information, communications) is managed locally with enhanced security. This local quality approach allows simplified management where needed while maintaining high security where critical.
4Reliability
If mesh network uses unique identifiers for authentication, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service authentication where each user device automatically generates and manages its own unique identifier and cryptographic keys. The authentication process is embedded in the device's operating system or hardware security module, requiring no manual user configuration. This self-service approach provides strong security while keeping the user experience simple.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for processing user data to be displayed on an internet page of a social network. The user data is stored in a first communicating device (DIS1) and can be consulted remotely by at least one second communicating device (DIS2). A server (SERV) hosts the social network, which is organised according to a mesh network comprising said communicating devices. The server stores an IP address of the first device on a communication network being used by the first device (DIS1). Upon the request (REQ-DAT) of the second device (DIS2), the method includes the following steps: the server verifies (302) a relationship between said communicating devices; and, if need be, the server transmits (ENV-IP) the IP address of the first device (DIS1) to the second device (DIS2), for direct access to said user data in the first device, using the transmitted IP address.