Supplemental Processing Bus for Modular Data Storage Security
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Data storage systems face challenges with modularity and security due to connections between separate computing components being susceptible to unwanted third-party activity and suffering from minimal modularity, which inhibits efficient supplementation of computing capabilities and introduces data security issues.
Innovation Solution
A data storage system is configured with a supplemental processing bus that connects an external processing component to the internal controller, allowing for increased modularity and security by utilizing the external component to provide additional processing capabilities and security features such as keys and passwords, without requiring reconfiguration of the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If connections between separate computing components are used to supplement computing capabilities, then computing power is enhanced, but security is compromised due to susceptibility to unwanted third-party activity
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into an internal controller residing within the housing and external computing components connected via an externally accessible bus. This segmentation allows the internal controller to maintain security boundaries while external components provide supplemental computing power for non-critical tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal controller acts as an intermediary that selectively manages communications between external computing components and the data storage system. It filters and controls data flow through the externally accessible bus, preventing unwanted third-party access while allowing legitimate supplemental computing operations.
2Reliability
If computing components are integrated within the housing, then security is improved, but modularity is reduced which inhibits efficient supplementation of computing capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its computing architecture by allowing external components to be connected or disconnected from the externally accessible bus as needed. This enables flexible supplementation of computing capabilities while maintaining the internal controller's secure position within the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The externally accessible bus provides a universal interface that can connect to various types of external computing components. This multi-functional approach allows the system to adapt to different computing needs while maintaining a consistent security model through the internal controller.
3Adaptability or versatility
If external computing components are connected via externally accessible bus, then modularity is increased, but security is compromised due to exposure to third-party activity
Solution Approach 1:
The internal controller serves as a protective intermediary between the externally accessible bus and the secure data storage resources. It monitors and controls all communications on the external bus, blocking unwanted third-party activity while allowing legitimate external computing components to access non-sensitive functions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different security levels are applied to different parts of the system. The internal controller and data storage resources operate with high security restrictions, while the externally accessible bus and external components operate with more permissive access controls for non-critical functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage system can employ at least one data storage device having a supplemental processing bus that connects a first controller to a second controller with the supplemental bus being exposed to an exterior surface of a housing. The second controller may be positioned on a portable computing component connected to the supplemental bus while the portable computing component is positioned external to the housing. The computing capabilities of the portable computing component are identified with the first controller to allow a supplementation strategy to be generated with the first controller in response to connection of the portable computing component to the supplemental bus. The supplementation strategy can then be executed by assigning at least one processing task from the first controller to the second controller.