mobile (cross-platform) peer to peer (p2p) data sync
DESCRIPTION
Cloud technologies have changed the way users interact with their devices and the way they keep their data. Users now expect their data to be synced always to all devices in real-time. This has been facilitated through many cloud providers such as iCloud, Google services, and Azure. Most of the current Sync models rely on having a server to facilitate data sync between devices. This requires having internet connectivity, transferring all the data to the server, and handling multiple aspects of the data security. This could be avoided by syncing the data locally. Most smartphones support Peer-to-Peer connections. This could be used to sync data and facilitate Sync in offline mode (when no internet connection is available), saving on data bandwidth, and keeping the data more secure as it does not need to go through the wire to the server. In this talk, I review the current state of Peer-to-Peer, why would we use it, how would we use it, and what could it be used for. I will also show a demo of the peer to peer connections and messaging in action on few smartphones.TRANSCRIPT
FORGET ABOUT THE INTERNET AND SYNC LOCALLY
Has AlTaiarKloud SolutionsHasAlTaiar.com.au
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KLOUD SOLUTIONS
We are hiring
• Identity Management Consultants• Cloud Infrastructure Engineers
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1. Motivation2. Advantages3. Challenges4. Current State5. Cross-platform Solutions6. Conclusions and demo
Agenda
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Offline – Why?
Why do we need a P2P data-sync? In a harsh env like above (Bushfire 2014 – Australia, Vic (Grampians)), there is no internet connection in such remote areas, yet emergency personnel still need to be able to sync data and coordinate rescue effort.
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Offline – Why?
Our client tells us that these rescue team members need to drive sometimes for 100kms or more to be able to sync data with the server and other devices.
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Offline – Why?
Another similar scenario that our client has was the ability to sync data across multiple devices for mining field operators. We cannot guarantee any internet connection in a mining field 500+ ft underground.
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ConnectivityWe cannot assume that internet conn is always available
ReliabilityNo Single point of failure
Time and LatencyLess time to connect and transfer data
CostSave cost on data bandwidth
Improved SecurityYour Data is not accessible by everybody (on internet)
Why?
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Challenges
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Service DiscoveryAbility for peers to find each other without a central node.
SecurityAuthenticating and authorising peers
Sync ModelBuilding a Data Sync model
CompatibilityHardware and software compatibility across multiple platforms
Challenges
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Available technologies for peer-to-peer connections1. Bluetooth 2.02. Wifi Direct3. Bluetooth LE (4.0)4. Multipeer connectivity5. NFC
Challenges - Service Discovery
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Technology iOS 7.1 Android 4.4 Windows Phone 8.1
Bluetooth 2.1 NO YES YES
Wifi Direct NO YES YES
BLE YES NO YES
NFC NO YES YES
Multipeer YES NO NO
Challenges - Service Discovery
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Cross-Platform SolutionsBluetooth LE (4.0)iOS and Windows already support BLE, Android support is upcoming.
Wifi DirectAndroid and Windows already support Wifi Direct, iOS 8 is said to support Wifi Direct too.
Bonjour / ZeroconfigAll three major platforms support zeroconfig (ie: dataSync.tcp.local)
Socket-based NetworkingLower level of networking could be used on all major platforms.
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• Stop relying on internet connectivity, spending much money and data bandwidth
• Start building apps that are IoT-ready (AllJoyn).• Many solutions are available for easy P2P
connections• P2P apps are on the rise (Relay Rides $56M, P2P
lending crosses $1B)• There are already many apps that are P2P (ie
Scatter, FireChat)
Conclusions
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Questions???