Web Service Access via Local Device Intermediary
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Users face long upload times due to limited internet bandwidth, requiring devices to remain connected, and existing authentication methods for offloading web services are not compatible with legacy software and standard web protocols, making it difficult to securely access web services hosted by local devices.
Innovation Solution
A method for securely accessing a web service by a browser running on a user device through a network, where the web service is hosted by a local device, involves sending a request to a generic name, receiving a global name, verifying it against a white list, and connecting securely using HTTPS, ensuring compatibility with legacy software and standard protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If certificate-based authentication is used for web services, then security is improved, but compatibility with legacy software and standard web protocols deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a trusted operator as an intermediary between the client and the web service provider. This trusted operator issues certificates to legitimate web service providers, enabling certificate-based authentication without requiring changes to legacy browsers or protocols. The trusted operator acts as a mediator that bridges the gap between modern security requirements and legacy system constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary verification by the client of the server's certificate before establishing the web connection. This preliminary action ensures that only certificates issued by trusted operators are accepted, providing security assurance before the actual web service interaction begins, while maintaining compatibility with existing web protocols.
2Speed
If internet upload bandwidth is increased, then upload speed is improved, but infrastructure cost and complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a local device as an intermediary that acts as a gateway between the user device and the internet. This local device provides offloading capabilities, allowing uploads to bypass the limited internet bandwidth of mobile devices by utilizing alternative transmission paths through the local network infrastructure.
3Productivity
If mobile devices remain connected to internet for uploads, then upload completion is improved, but user convenience and device availability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a local device as an intermediary that remains permanently connected to the network, acting as a persistent gateway for upload operations. This allows user devices to be disconnected or powered off while uploads continue through the local device, which maintains the connection and handles data transmission asynchronously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a mechanism where the local device autonomously manages upload operations without requiring continuous user presence or device connectivity. The system automatically handles data transfer, progress tracking, and completion notification, enabling uploads to proceed independently once initiated.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for securely accessing a web service by a web application running in a browser on a user device is disclosed. A user device sends a request for accessing a web service by addressing a generic name. In response, the user device receives a global name that uniquely identifies a local device hosting a web service. The global name is further associated with a certificate. The user device receives the global name and verifies the certificate associated with the global name to securely access the web service.