Distributed Data File Storage via XOR Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cloud storage solutions lack data security and privacy, as users cannot control or determine the storage conditions of their data files, making them vulnerable to unauthorized access and loss in case of provider insolvency or hacking.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that divide a data file into multiple parts of equal size, combine and derange them using XOR operations, and store the results across multiple data storages, ensuring that even if one storage is compromised, the data remains inaccessible and can be restored from others.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If data files are stored in cloud storages in clear text for ease of access, then accessibility and convenience are improved, but data security and privacy are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The data file is divided into multiple data file parts (at least n-1 parts) that are stored separately in different data storages. Each part alone is insufficient to reconstruct the original data, providing security while maintaining accessibility through the segmentation of information
Solution Approach 2:
XOR operations are used as an intermediary mathematical operation to combine data file parts. The XOR operation allows easy combination of parts to reconstruct original data while ensuring that individual parts reveal no information about the original data, thus mediating between security and accessibility requirements
2Device complexity
If data files are stored in a single cloud storage for simplicity, then storage management is simplified, but reliability and security are worsened due to single point of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the data file into multiple parts stored in different data storages (at least n-1 parts in n storages), eliminating the single point of failure while maintaining manageable complexity through systematic distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for potential storage failures in advance by storing multiple redundant data file parts across different storages. This beforehand cushioning ensures that even if some storages become unavailable, the data can still be reconstructed from the remaining parts
3Object-affected harmful factors
If data files are divided into multiple parts and stored separately for security, then data security is improved, but storage system complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The data file is segmented into multiple parts that are stored separately, providing security through distribution while the segmentation itself provides a clear organizational structure that manages complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of data representation by applying XOR operations to combine parts. This parameter change allows the system to maintain security through distribution while simplifying the reconstruction process, as XOR operations are computationally simple and reversible
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach ensures that only partial content is accessible from an unauthorized storage, and the entire data file can be restored if one storage becomes faulty, providing enhanced security and privacy.
Implementation Method 1
combining the n-1 data file parts by XOR to obtain a first data file result
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for storing a data file in data storages. In particular, a method for storing a data file in n data storages, n being an integer equal to or greater than 3, is provided. The method comprises the steps of dividing the data file into a plurality of data file parts such that at least n-1 data file parts of the plurality of data file parts are equal in size; and for each n-1 data file parts being equal in size, combining the n-1 data file parts by XOR to obtain a first data file result, deranging the first data file result to obtain a deranged first data file result; combining each of n-2 data file parts of the n-1 data file parts and the deranged first data file result by XOR to obtain second data file results, combining the first data file result and the second data file results by XOR to obtain a third data file result, and storing each of the first, second and third data file results in one of the n data storages.