Deploying the Unifyia Platform Microservices in DDIL Environments
Deploying the Unifyia platform using Docker images and pods is an effective strategy for operating in Denied, Disrupted, Intermittent, and Limited bandwidth (DDIL) environments. This approach ensures that microservices remain resilient and maintain functionality, even when connectivity to a master cloud or headquarters identity provider (IdP) like Entra, Okta, or other cloud IdPs is compromised.
Overview
Intelligent Gateway for Monitoring and Routing
A robust system designed for efficient monitoring and traffic management.
PIV/CAC and FIDO2 Authentication and Authorization
Supports secure authentication methods, including PIV/CAC cards and FIDO2 standards.
Local Directory Service with Roles and Attributes
Provides a comprehensive local directory for managing user roles and attributes.
Bi-Directional Directory Synchronization with Cloud IdP
Ensures seamless synchronization between local directories and cloud identity providers.
User Onboarding and Lifecycle Management with Instant Credential Issuance
Streamlines the onboarding process for new users and enables immediate issuance of credentials.
Identity-Based Access Management for Zero-Trust Security
Implements access controls based on user identity to support a Zero-Trust security model.
Biometric Verification (Face, Fingerprints, Iris)
Integrates biometric authentication methods for enhanced security (face recognition, fingerprints, and iris scanning).
Key Components of Deployment
Microservices Architecture
The Unifyia platform is designed with a microservices architecture, allowing each service to be deployed, scaled, and managed independently. This modular approach enhances flexibility and fault tolerance, making it well-suited for DDIL scenarios.
Docker Containers
Each microservice is packaged as a Docker image, ensuring consistency across different environments. Docker's lightweight containers facilitate rapid deployment and easy management of dependencies, crucial in bandwidth-limited settings.
Kubernetes Pods
Utilizing Kubernetes, microservices are deployed in pods, which group related containers for better resource allocation and management. This orchestration simplifies scaling and recovery in response to network conditions or service disruptions.
Strategies for DDIL Environments
Local Caching and Data Synchronization
Implement local caching strategies to store essential data, allowing microservices to function even when connectivity is poor. Data synchronization mechanisms can be designed to sync with the master IdP when bandwidth permits, ensuring up-to-date information is available.
Asynchronous Communication
Use message queues or event-driven architectures to enable asynchronous communication between microservices. This reduces the dependency on real-time connectivity and allows services to continue operating even in disrupted conditions.
Graceful Degradation
Design microservices with graceful degradation in mind. This means that in the event of limited bandwidth, the service can provide basic functionalities while queuing non-essential tasks for later processing.
Monitoring and Health Checks
Integrate robust monitoring tools to track service health and performance in real-time. Health checks can automatically restart pods or redirect traffic as needed to maintain service availability.
Fallback Mechanisms
Implement fallback mechanisms that allow microservices to revert to local authentication or other identity verification methods when connectivity to the primary IdP is disrupted. This can include cached credentials or alternative authentication methods.
Configurable Deployment Settings
Enable configurable settings for each deployment based on local conditions. This flexibility allows teams to adjust resource allocation, logging levels, and other parameters to optimize performance in DDIL environments.
Connectivity with Cloud IdPs
When deploying in conjunction with cloud IdPs like Entra and Okta, ensure that:
  • Hybrid Identity Management: Maintain a hybrid identity management strategy that leverages both local and cloud IdPs, providing resilience during outages.
  • Secure API Integration: Securely integrate APIs from cloud IdPs to facilitate authentication and authorization, with fallbacks to local mechanisms if necessary.
  • Scheduled Synchronization: Establish scheduled synchronization tasks that occur during off-peak hours to minimize the impact of limited bandwidth.
Conclusion
By leveraging Docker images and Kubernetes pods for the Unifyia platform, organizations can effectively deploy microservices in DDIL environments. This approach not only enhances resilience and operational efficiency but also ensures continued access to critical identity management services, even in challenging connectivity conditions.