System and method for neutral application programming interface

0001This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. <patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="US62100406" dnum-type="L"><text>U.S. 62/100,406 filed on Jan. 6, 2015</text></patcit>; <patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="US62108987" dnum-type="L"><text>U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/108,987 filed on Jan. 28, 2015</text></patcit>; <patcit id="pcit0003" dnum="US62144293" dnum-type="L"><text>U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/144,293 filed on April 7, 2015</text></patcit>; <patcit id="pcit0004" dnum="US62151174" dnum-type="L"><text>U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/151,174 filed on April 22, 2015</text></patcit>; <patcit id="pcit0005" dnum="US62174394" dnum-type="L"><text>U.S. Provisional Application No/ 62/174,394 filed on June 11, 2015</text></patcit>, International Application No. <patcit id="pcit0006" dnum="US2015064242W" dnum-type="L"><text>PCT/US2015/064242 filed on December 7, 2015</text></patcit>, and <patcit id="pcit0007" dnum="US62266060" dnum-type="L"><text>U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/266,060 filed on December 11, 2015</text></patcit>.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

0002The present disclosure relates generally to networks, and more particularly, to the automated flow and exchange of information in device-to-device communications via a neutral application programming interface (API) mechanism.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

0003There are times when devices need to communicate with each other. Sometimes this communication is to convey or report static info such as log record, or a content update, or different data. One device may need to query another device to get the current foreign exchange rate between two currencies or fetch a stock price quote, both time-sensitive data which regularly fluctuate. Another communication could also be transactional in nature such as the authorization of a payment by credit card presented by a customer to a merchant to settle a purchase. Other device-to-device sharing of information could be related to the building of a secure tunnel where info such as keys, credentials and connection settings are required by each device.

0004An Application Programming Interface (API) is a framework for such device to device communications facilitating automated info exchange from a client device making a query to a listening server device which will answer and send back a response to the initiating client device. The client device and server device may constitute a pair of peers or peer pair.

0005A common type of API is a request-response API post mechanism with a specific data structure payload presented from a client peer to a server peer at a specific URL with a response returned in a specific data structure payload. This is generally for posted information to be processed by a sole-purpose script on a remote server with a result sent back to the initiating client device. A use for this could be a request for credit card info presented with transaction data such as vendor's merchant account info, purchaser related information and purchase amount for processing with either a decline or authorization message returned as a response. This API type will in most cases reject incomplete or malformed or incorrect data structure payloads. This type of API can require security protocols to be followed such as presentation of certificates, HTTPS encryption, keys, or other methods. There are advantages and disadvantages to such an API. It is ideal for a single purpose and is designed for high volume. It allows for many third party clients to be able to query it such as in the case of a credit card transaction authorization API. In other use cases, implementation may be too complicated or undesirable for the purpose which this type of API is to be used.

0006It is common for an API call to be made to a specific URL and path to be processed by a specific handler. If another type of API transaction needs to be made, it is to another URL and path to be processed by a different handler and corresponding script. Each individual API call will required a certain amount of development on the client-side to implement and to integrate this functionality into the system. Another consideration is the development time, work and effort required to implement security, logging and other required tasks on both the client-side and the server-side related to each type of API info exchanged instance when integrating functionality into systems.

0007In view of the foregoing, it may be understood that there may be significant need to address the short-comings of single purpose API post loops and allow for greater security and flexibility.

0008<patcit id="pcit0008" dnum="US2003195973A1"><text>US 2003/195973 A1</text></patcit> discloses a technique in which a first header of a packet is processed to obtain a first protocol. The first protocol is used as a key to read a record from a data structure in which the first protocol is associated with an offset in a second header of the packet. The second header of the packet is processed based on the offset in the second header to obtain a second protocol. By positionally relating the position of the protocol field in the second header of the packet with an offset stored in a data structure, if packet sizes and/or layouts should change, then the offset information in the data structure may be updated without the need to redesign and/or reconfigure hardware and/or software in a packet processor.

0009<patcit id="pcit0009" dnum="US2010316052A1"><text>US 2010/316052 A1</text></patcit> discloses an apparatus including an ingress port, a header cache, and a plurality of ingress recursion engines. The ingress port may be configured to receive a packet that comprises a data portion and a header portion, wherein the header portion comprises at least one header. The header cache may be configured to store at least a part of the header portion of the packet. The plurality of ingress recursion engines may be configured to recursively process the header portion, from outer-most header to inner-most header, until an adjacency value for the packet is determined. Each ingress recursion engine may be configured to process a header from the header portion.

0010<patcit id="pcit0010" dnum="US7587487B1"><text>US 7 587 487 B1</text></patcit> discloses a technique to load balance network packet traffic using content switching. Packets are routed to a particular server or otherwise processed based on the XML-related content identified in a header or body of the packet. Rules can be defined that specify an action to undertake with regards to the packet if certain pieces of XML-related content are identified therein. These actions can include forwarding of the packet to a particular server or servers that best process the transaction associated with the packet.

0011<patcit id="pcit0011" dnum="US2007168486A1"><text>US2007/168486A1</text></patcit> discloses a software architecture system and method for operating an appliance exposing key press functionality to a network. A network control system comprises a software operating layer responsive to a plurality of function calls, a physical user interface capable of generating directly at least some of the function calls, and a virtual user interface configured to invoke at least some of the function calls.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

0012Systems and methods for neutral application programming interfaces are disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for neutral application programming interfaces as defined in appended claim 1.

0013In accordance with some embodiments, the outer payload comprises a timestamp of a time when the request is generated.

0014In accordance with some embodiments, the inner payload is encrypted and the device is further configured to decrypt the inner payload.

0015In accordance with some embodiments, the device is configured not to process the action if a time lapse between when the device receives the request and the timestamp is beyond a threshold.

0016In accordance with some embodiments, the threshold is based on network latency.

0017In accordance with some embodiments, the threshold is equal to 1 second.

0018In accordance with some embodiments, the encryption of the inner payload is based on the timestamp and the action.

0019In accordance with some embodiments, the encryption of the inner payload is further based on an originating device that originates the request and the device.

0020In accordance with some embodiments, the request is transmitted via a secure sockets layer.

0021In accordance with some embodiments, the inner payload comprises at least one of an array, a key value pair, an object, a data file, or a binary file.

0022In accordance with some embodiments, the device is further configured to process the action with a script.

0023In accordance with some embodiments, the device is further configured to retrieve the action from a server.

0024In accordance with some embodiments, the server is configured to store information about actions and store information about devices.

0025In accordance with some embodiments, the server is further configured to store a peer relationship of an originating device and a destination device.

0026In accordance with some embodiments, the server is further configured to update an action.

0027In accordance with some embodiments, the device is further configured to retrieve a list of its peer originating devices from the server; and listens to requests from a device that is on the list of its peer originating devices.

0028In accordance with some embodiments, the server is further configured to push an action to the device.

0029In accordance with some embodiments, the server is further configured to flag an action to denote availability.

0030In accordance with some embodiments, the device is further configured to send a response of the request.

0031In accordance with some embodiments, the device is further configured to include a portion of the request in the response.

0032In a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for neutral application programming interfaces as defined in appended claim 15.

0033In a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium storing a computer-readable program which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to carry out the method of the second aspect.

0034The present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to particular embodiments thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings. While the present disclosure is described below with reference to particular embodiments, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Those of ordinary skill in the art having access to the teachings herein will recognize additional implementations, modifications, and embodiments, as well as other fields of use, which are within the scope of the present disclosure as described herein, and with respect to which the present disclosure may be of significant utility.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0035In order to facilitate a fuller understanding of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are referenced with like numerals or references. These drawings should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure, but are intended to be illustrative only. <ul id="ul0001" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li><figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref> shows a flow diagram of how an application program interface works, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.</li><li><figref idref="f0002">Figure 2</figref> shows a flow diagram illustrating the neutral application programming interface (API) mechanism carrying a data array inside an inner payload, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.</li><li><figref idref="f0003">Figure 3</figref> shows a flow diagram illustrating the neutrality of the API mechanism regardless of the payloads, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.</li><li><figref idref="f0004">Figure 4</figref> shows a block diagram illustrating the security aspects of the neutral API mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.</li><li><figref idref="f0005">Figure 5A</figref> shows a diagram illustrating an example request payload array, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.</li><li><figref idref="f0006">Figure 5B</figref> shows a diagram illustrating an example response payload array, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.</li><li><figref idref="f0007">Figure 6</figref> shows a block diagram illustrating neutral API mechanism device peers and coordination with the central control server (SRV_CNTRL), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.</li><li><figref idref="f0008">Figure 7</figref> shows a diagram illustrating automated device collaboration, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.</li><li><figref idref="f0009">Figure 8</figref> shows a diagram illustrating information flow among devices and the central control server, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.</li><li><figref idref="f0010">Figure 9</figref> shows a diagram illustrating backbone exchange server topology with security and an open-jaw API sequence, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.</li><li><figref idref="f0011">Figure 10</figref> shows a diagram illustrating open-jaw API call dependent on completion of internal API calls, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.</li><li><figref idref="f0012">Figure 11</figref> shows a diagram illustrating request/response between peer devices and between a device and a central control server, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.</li><li><figref idref="f0013">Figure 12</figref> shows a diagram illustrating closed and open loops, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.</li><li><figref idref="f0014">Figure 13</figref> shows a diagram illustrating example transaction codes in a request payload, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.</li><li><figref idref="f0015">Figure 14</figref> shows a diagram illustrating example transaction codes in a response payload, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.</li><li><figref idref="f0016">Figure 15</figref> shows a diagram illustrating example element mappings in a request/response payload, in a closed loop, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.</li><li><figref idref="f0017">Figure 16</figref> shows a diagram illustrating example element mappings in a request/response payload, in an open/RESTFul loop, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.</li><li><figref idref="f0018">Figure 17</figref> shows a diagram illustrating collaboration and relationship among main modules used by the neutral API mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.</li></ul>

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

0036In some embodiments, the neutral application programming interface (API) mechanism (NAPIM) disclosed herein may be a component of a complex type of network, such as Global Virtual Network (GVN), which needs to dynamically scale across many devices, and in which there exist requirements as follows: add new API call patterns; change existing API call patterns; use a common transport, security and logging framework; retire obsolete API call patterns; have advanced features to be able to carry any payload; dynamically add, remove or edit the API relationship information between peer pairs, including information about a peer itself or related peers which they connect to or which connect to them; allow a device to act contextually as either a server, or a client, or both client and server at different times depending on its role in a specific peer pair API transaction or relationship or transactional relationship; have all API clients and API servers be registered on central servers through API peer to control server API calls which allow for the dynamic updating of API mechanism structure info matrix; and other requirements.

0037In some embodiments, the NAPIM may be utilized to propagate updates, including maintaining an updated list of peer pairs, credentials between peer pairs, list of API actions, logs and other information.

0038In some embodiments, as an advantage of this flexible topology, some devices may act as a client in one exchange of information or as a server in another exchange of API information. An API client host may trigger an API call initiating the sending of an API Request to a server host peer and the client will parse and process the response received back. An API server host may have a listener which listens for Request posts initiated from API client hosts. Upon receipt of the Request, the API server host parses and processes it and then prepares the Response to be sent back.

0039In some embodiments, for security reasons, a device's API listener may be closed during times that it does not need to act as a server and during other times the API listener may be opened so that it can act as an API server.

0040In some embodiments, a central control server (SRV_CNTRL) may exist in the NAPIM system disclosed herein. A device in the NAPIM system may be registered on the central control server. The central control server may manage the device, including, but not limited to, environment and software of the device. The central control server may exist in a Global Virtual Network. For redundancy, there may be multiple central control servers in various locations.

0041The neutrality of the APIs may be maintained regardless of payload carried, predicated by the universal pattern of outer payload, with triggering and processing of defined data structure of the various possible inner payloads determined by a specified action code. Therefore, an unlimited number of API actions may be possible through a NAPIM.

0042An action's functional state may be operational upon the presentation of action information to a related script trigger on a client peer, which is then transported via the request sender of the NAPIM on client peer to the request handler and processer scripts on server peer activating the scripts there. The response handler script on client peer interprets the response received from the server peer and activates appropriate scripts. The scripts, data structure and payload for each type of API action may be replicated to each device in a peer pair via the API mechanism itself for unlimited extensibility.

0043Therefore, unlimited possible action payloads can be carried via inner payloads and processed through the NAPIM while the general NAPIM system utilizes common outer framework for payload structure, senders, listeners, handlers and other elements of the API transport.

0044<figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref> shows a flow diagram of how an application program interface works. <figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref> describes the automated process flow of an Application Programming Interface (API) request-response automated information exchange transaction between two devices. As shown in <figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref>, there is a pair of peer devices D-01 and D-02. The Peer Origin D-01 is a host client which is the source of the API call. At step 1, the Peer Origin D-01 generates a API request with a payload to send as a REQUEST 102. At step 2, the REQUEST 102 is received by the listening host server Peer Target D-02. At step 3, the API request received by the Peer Target D-02 is processed by D-02's API handler. Based on the processing of the API call, an action may be taken. At step 4, a response based on the processed API request is prepared and sent back as a RESPONSE 104. At step 5, the RESPONSE 104 is received by the Peer Origin D-01. At step 6, the RESPONSE 104 is processed by the Peer Origin D-01.

0045In some embodiments, there may be security layers added in the request and the response. The transport method may also be protected by certificate, protocol (e.g., https or http), or other methods. In some embodiments, both peer hosts D-01 and D-02 are able to prepare and send a structured data payload which can be interpreted, understood, and processed by the other peer.

0046<figref idref="f0002">Figure 2</figref> shows a flow diagram illustrating the neutral application programing interface (API) mechanism carrying a data array as an inner payload inside an outer payload, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. <figref idref="f0002">Figure 2</figref> illustrates the neutrality of the API mechanism where all request and response outer payloads adhere to the same data structure pattern. In other words, all request and response outer payload adhere to a common definition, which has the same consistent structure, fields, etc. This "same-pattern" preparation, delivery and parsing framework allows for a very flexible, dynamic abstraction of unlimited API actions which can be carried by the mechanism. This approach may also offer the opportunity to secure the data payload wrapped in one or more layers of security. An added benefit is that the API itself becomes the delivery system for its own structural definitions and new functionality can be added to its actions matrix through the publishing of API actions and related scripts, data structure definition and other relevant information via the API itself.

0047A database for the API instance running on each peer device allows for tables to store an API_Queue, Peer Pairs data, API_Transactions, API_Actions_Index and other relevant information which the API module of each device of the peer pairing will utilize. Further details regarding the software stack in client, server and central server devices plus the integration of database backing and replication of data between databases will be discussed later in relation to <figref idref="f0007">Figure 6</figref>. The database table names, fields and structures noted herein are examples and can be different. There also may be more or less tables to store API related data.

0048The requisite security is realized by protecting an inner payload through the encrypting of it and including the obfuscated payload as a data element of the outer payload.

0049<figref idref="f0002">Figure 2</figref> incorporates all the elements of <figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref>. As shown in <figref idref="f0002">Figure 2</figref>, an added starting point (step 0) at the Peer Origin Host (client) Source D-01 illustrates the trigger for the API transaction call. Step 0 may comprise sub-steps D-01-A to D-01-E. At step D-01-A, data is passed to a common class or other type of handler to create inner payload. At step D-01-B, the inner payload is added to a queue which may be in memory, saved to database, flat file or other mechanism. The queue step may be bypassed or set to send at a certain time. At step D-01-C, as a part of the heart beat functionality of the client device D-01 and depending on the priority flag of the API call in the queue, the payload in the queue can be processed immediately, processed at a specific time or deferred based on a factor such as load, queue length, network conditions or other factors. At step D-01-D, after an item is processed from the queue, an outer payload is prepared. At step D-01-E, relevant transaction data are generated for a specific, single use API call. The encryption can be unique via rotating calculated key based on time, peers in pairing, action, and other factors. When the API REQUEST payload PL01 is ready to be sent at step 1, it is conveyed via the Neutral API mechanism to be received at step 2 by the Peer Target Host (server) API (D-02). As shown in <figref idref="f0002">Figure 2</figref>, in some embodiments, the outer payload PL01 may include information regarding Device, Action, Transaction_Code, Payload, IP_Address, Transaction Type, and Timestamp. Timestamp may be the time when the request/payload is generated. Payload may specify an encrypted inner payload.

0050Upon receiving the API REQUEST payload PL01, at step 3, the Peer Target D-02 may parse and interpret the API REQUEST payload PL01. Step 3 may comprise sub-steps D-02A to D-02-D. At step D-02-A, in the processing of the API REQUEST payload PL01, there may be security and data integrity checks made and the payload may be decrypted to discover the contents of the inner payload. Further security and data integrity checks may be made comparing the inner and outer payloads. In some embodiments, the outer payload is parsed according to the "same-pattern" (i.e., common) structure of the outer payload. The information (e.g., name) of the action to be taken (e.g., AAPIAC) may be obtained. The inner payload may be parsed according to a definition of the action. For example, the inner payload may be parsed according to the definition of the action AAPIAC. In some embodiments, the definition of an action specifies the structure of the payload of the action. At step D-02-B, upon validation, the payload (e.g., inner payload) is passed to the corresponding script to take the prescribed action. In some embodiments, the action is processed by a script or some other handlers. At step D-02-C, upon completion of requested action, the inner payload for the response is created, and can include encryption of fields. At step D-02-D, the outer payload for the response is created. At step D-02-E, relevant transaction data are generated for RESPONSE 104. At this point, The API RESPONSE payload PL02 is generated.

0051In some embodiments, the differences between an API REQUEST payload and an API RESPONSE payload may include transaction type: REQ = request and RSP = response. In some embodiments, timestamps are created when the transaction is prepared at D-01-E and D-02-E. The differences may include different timestamps. Timestamps may be UNIX timestamps and processing time will differ between various actions. To keep the integrity of the system, all devices may automatically update their internal clocks on a regular basis to ensure synchronicity in order to avoid issues caused by time drift of clocks. The differences may include Device. For example, [Device] in the API REQUEST payload PL01 specifies the device code of Peer Origin D-01. And [Device] in the API RESPONSE payload PL02 specifies the device code of Peer Target D-02. The transaction code in the API REQUEST payload PL01 and the transaction code in the API RESPONSE payload PL02 may also be different. The IP Addresses may also be different.

0052The payloads may also be different. The response payload PL02 is more verbose because the [Payload] element of its data structure includes an encrypted block containing both the unencrypted request payload PL01 and a response payload. This may allow Peer Origin D-01 to verify not only the integrity of the data structure of the response but also to give D-01 the ability to receive the inner, decrypted version of its original request for comparison and validation purposes. At step 6, Peer Origin D-01 may parse and interpret API response payload PL02. Step 6 may comprise three sub-steps. At step D-01-F, the response payload are processed and validated. At step D-01-G, upon successful validation, the inner decrypted response payload of PL02 may be sent to the appropriate action response handler script on the Peer Origin D-01. At step D-01-H, to complete the API transaction, logging and ending of the API is performed. If there is a [Callback] array attached to the inner decrypted response, then that will be the trigger for one or more new API transaction calls, which starts at step 0. All new callback API calls may be independently handled and not dependent or reliant on past calls as D-01-H is the terminal end point of an API transaction call.

0053In some embodiments, an inner payload may comprise an array, a key-value pair, an object, a data file, and/or a binary file

0054<figref idref="f0003">Figure 3</figref> shows a flow diagram illustrating the neutrality of the API mechanism regardless of the payloads, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. <figref idref="f0003">Figure 3</figref> includes steps 0 to 6, request 102, response 104, peer origin D-01 and peer target D-02.

0055Step 0 for the API call is the starting point. Based on the action to be taken, a specific action script could be a standalone file, a daemon, a class, a function, an imbedded block of code or other mechanism to prepare an inner payload data structure for a specific API action to be taken.

0056For example, a script for Action Code A 0-A prepares its payload and creates inner payload of the request at step D-01-A. For simplicity sake in this example, the steps D-01-B through D-01-E noted in <figref idref="f0002">Fig.2</figref> are left out but the reader should see them as taken place between step D-01-A and step 1. At step 1, the request payload is sent to peer target D-02 in similar fashion to <figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref> and <figref idref="f0002">Figure 2</figref>.

0057At step 2, the request payload is received by peer target D-02. The request payload is parsed and processed at step D-02-A. Upon successful decryption of inner payload and passing security and data integrity validation, and based on the action code specified by the trigger, in this example (Action Code A), the data structure in the inner payload will be sent to Action Code A Script 3-A. Upon successful handling, processing and generation of a response inner payload data structure, at step D-02-E, relevant transaction data are generated for RESPONSE 104. The response payload is sent to peer origin D-02 at step 4, and received by peer target D-01 at step 5.

0058As described above, at step D-01-G, upon successful validation, the inner decrypted response payload may be sent to the appropriate action response handler script on the peer origin D-01. As shown in <figref idref="f0003">Figure 3</figref>, based on the Action Code, the inner decrypted response payload is sent to the relevant Action Code Script. In this example stream, Action Code A is processed by Action Code A Script 6-A. This example API call transaction will terminate at D-01-H.

0059Similarly, if Action B is included in the payload, Action B will go from 0 to 0-B then D-01-A to 1 to 2 to 3 to D-02-A and the request will be processed by 3-B to D-02-E to 4 to 5 to 6 to D-01-G to 6-B and terminate at D-01-H.

0060Similarly, if Action C is included in the payload, Action C will go from 0 to 0-C then D-01-A to 1 to 2 to 3 to D-02-A and the request will be processed by 3-C to D-02-E to 4 to 5 to 6 to D-01-G to 6-C and terminate at D-01-H.

0061<figref idref="f0004">Figure 4</figref> shows a block diagram illustrating the security aspects of the neutral API mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

0062In many ways, the Neutral API Mechanism may operate like a traditional client-server request-response API call by utilizing key files, certificates or other credentials (i.e., F3) to encrypt the packets via Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) for HTTPS (i.e., F4) transport over 408 the Internet F5. The Transport Security L2 (including 406 and 404) and Network L1 elements are similar to other traditional post-API-calls made to dedicated scripts.

0063The Neutral API Mechanism goes steps further with additional protections of the Data Structure L3.

0064The Outer Payload has certain data elements to direct it to target device and to carry an encrypted inner payload to be handled by the appropriate Action Code Script for parsing and processing. The encryption 402 between inner payload F1 and outer payload F2 secures the data payload in the event that the HTTPS encryption is compromised during the transport 408 through the internet F5.

0065The encryption and decryption 402 between inner and outer payloads may utilize specific peer pair info and other factors such as key adjustors unique to the relationship between client and server devices. Another element of security is for the data structure for specified action to adhere to an expected pattern. In some embodiments, the encryption of the payload may be based on a calculated rotated key utilizing various factors including time stamp, action type, peer pairs (and their associated keys and keys related to their relationship).

0066The security info, keys, key adjustors, certificates, and other information related to securing API transactions between peer pairs may be dynamically updatable via API calls either between devices in the peer pair or for each device to receive this information via API calls to a central control server (SRV_CNTRL), back channel mechanism or other method.

0067There are also anti-replay features embedded into the framework based on timestamp, transaction code, and other factors to ensure that each API call is processed only once. This is to counter either man-in-the-middle malicious attacks or to abate the negative effects of device malfunction. In some embodiments, the anti-replay is based on a threshold based on network latency. For example, if the network latency (e.g., expected latency in a network) between an originating device (e.g., peer origin D-01) and a destination device (peer target D-02) is only 1 second and if the destination device receives a request more than 1 second later after the request is sent by the originating device (for example, based on the timestamp in the request payload), the designation device may choose not to process the request.

0068<figref idref="f0005">Figure 5A</figref> shows a diagram illustrating an example request payload array, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

0069<figref idref="f0005">Figures 5A</figref> and <figref idref="f0006">5B</figref> illustrate the inner payload which is encrypted and then carried in the outer payload. <figref idref="f0005">Figures 5A</figref> and <figref idref="f0006">5B</figref> are based on <figref idref="f0002">Fig. 2</figref> and repeats many elements described in that example embodiment. <figref idref="f0002">Figure 2</figref> has been split into counterpart drawings defined as <figref idref="f0005">Figure 5A</figref> and <figref idref="f0006">Figure 5B</figref>. The example embodiment <figref idref="f0005">Figure 5A</figref> illustrates the request portion of the API call and <figref idref="f0006">Figure 5B</figref> illustrates the response portion.

0070The following elements of example embodiment portion <figref idref="f0005">Figure 5A</figref> are equivalent to those described in <figref idref="f0002">Fig. 2</figref> such as devices D-01 and D-02 and the communication path between them 0 to 1 including intermediary steps D-01-A through D-01-E to 1 to 2 to 3. The payload PL01 in <figref idref="f0002">Figure 2</figref> is further illustrated with PL01-OUTER and PL01-INNER in this example embodiment.

0071Upon the decryption of request outer payload PL01-OUTER by peer target D-02, the request inner payload PL01-INNER is discovered. The data structure of PL01-INNER may be a multi-dimensional array or other type of data structure. The [WRAPPER] and [Meta_Data] and [Payload] and [Callback] elements are presented for illustrative purposes and may contain same or different sub-fields, nested arrays, links to files, globs of file data or other information appropriate to the action to be undertaken by the server device of the peer pair of the API transaction call.

0072<figref idref="f0006">Figure 5B</figref> shows a diagram illustrating an example response payload array, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

0073The following elements of example embodiment portion <figref idref="f0006">Figure 5B</figref> are equivalent to those described in <figref idref="f0002">Figure 2</figref> such as devices D-01 and D-02 and the communication path between them from 3 to 4 including intermediary steps D-02-A through D-02-E to 4 to 5. The payload PL02 in <figref idref="f0002">Figure 2</figref> is further illustrated with PL02-OUTER and PL02-INNER in this example embodiment.

0074Upon the decryption of response outer payload PL02-OUTER by peer origin D-01, the response inner payload PL02-INNER is discovered. The data structure of PL02-INNER may be similar to PL01-INNER. However as it is the response, its main payload is the processed result of the action taken by the server. When sending the response back, the original request (e.g., a portion of the original request or the original request) may be included as an element of the data structure. The [WRAPPER] and [Meta_Data] and [Payload] and [Callback] elements in PL02-INNER are presented for illustrative purposes and may contain same or different sub-fields, nested arrays, links to files, globs of file data or other information appropriate to the action to be undertaken by the client device of the peer pair of the API transaction call.

0075<figref idref="f0007">Figure 6</figref> shows a block diagram illustrating neutral API mechanism device peers and coordination with the central control server (SRV_CNTRL), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. This example embodiment illustrates a logical view of the software architecture of three types of network devices working together as a part of a Neutral API Mechanism (NAPIM) within a Global Virtual Network (GVN) in accordance with certain embodiments. As shown, the software and hardware can be distributed within the network devices and across different circuit boards, processors, network interface cards, and memory.

0076One described network device is an API Client (origin) device 100. Another described network device is central server SRV_CNTRL 200 and the third device is an API Server (target) device 300.

0077The client device 100 may be connected to the server device 300 via tunnel described by communication path 6P1 to a point of presence (POP) 401 through 6P2 to a WAN 402 to communication path 6P4 to POP 403 to communication path 6P5. The path transiting WAN 402 could also be over the regular internet.

0078Each device client 100 and server 300 can also connect to the SRV_CNTRL device 200 via 6P3.

0079The software architecture of client 100 and server 300 may be very similar with the differentiation by role of each device in that transaction. The client 100 has an API Client Module D176 and the server 300 has an API Server Module D376. For the simplicity of explaining this example embodiment only one module has been expressed D176 on the client 100 and D376 on the server 300. In fact, devices may have a combined client and server role depending on its function within the GVN. The SRV_CNTRL does in fact possess this quality with its API Client / Server Module D276.

0080The lowest level of each device are the Memory D112/D212/D312 and Processors D110/D210/D310, and the network interfaces D120/D220/D320. All of these may be on the hardware level. The operating system (O/S) D130/D230/D330 can be a LINUX system or equivalent system such as Debian or other. This includes packages and configuration for routing, hosting, communications and other system level operations.

0081On top of the operating system, a system software layer D150/D250/D350 of the Global Virtual Network's (GVN's) operating systems. There are custom commands, system modules and other constituent parts operating here, as well as other components of the GVN. Each type of device of the GVN may have some or all of these portions of the system software layer depending on their role.

0082Database modules D165/D265/D365 and Hosting Modules D160/D260/D360 are configured in this example embodiment for the listening, sending, processing, storage, retrieval and other related foundation level operations of the GVN's NAPIM.

0083GVN Managers described in D170/D270/D370 offer dependency functionality to the NAPIM. The Logger described by D175/D275/D375 in this example embodiment imbues the functionality of recording API actions and transactions. The Logger also has other roles and processes for other aspects of the GVN operations.

0084The API D172/D272/D372 describes the NAPIM's engine. On the API Client 100, on top of the API engine D172, the API Client Module D176 prepares API requests and also handles received API responses.

0085On the API Server 300, on top of the API engine D372, the API Server Module D376 listens for incoming API calls to be processed by D372 and prepares response to be sent back via D372.

0086On the SRV_CNTRL 200, there is an additional layer for the Repository Manager D280 which handles the coordination of the sharing of peer pair info, credentials and other information to individual devices connecting to other peers via the API mechanism of the GVN.

0087Operating systems D150/D250/D350 may have file storage HFS100/ HFS200/ HFS300.

0088The database structure of the API-related database tables B100B200B300 are equivalent on each of the API client 100, central server 200 and API server 300.

0089On SRV_CNTRL 200, the Repository Database B208 is where unique peer information is stored for all peers and this information can be used by the Repository Manager D280 to communicate API credentials or other info for a client or server within a peer pair to receive information relative to it or to its peer.

0090Stored within each device API database B100/B200/B300 are peer info about the device itself and its peer pair partners, transaction lists and queue data.

0091There are other uses for described methods and databases beyond API but this example embodiment only covers the aspects of API functionality of concerned devices.

0092<figref idref="f0008">Figure 7</figref> shows a diagram illustrating automated device collaboration, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

0093This example embodiment describes API call groups 7202, 7206 and 7208 between different types of devices within a Global Virtual Network (GVN). Each API call is circular in nature with a request sent from a client to a server with a response sent back. In most cases, the client can be one or the other end of a peer pair as long as the other peer has listening enabled for it to act as a server.

0094API call group 7202 represents calls from the Central Control Server (SRV_CNTRL) 200 via path P7202-C to End Point Device (EPD) 100 via P7202-B and Access Point Server (SRV_AP) 300 via P7202-A. This type of communication can exchange information between the repository database and file store on the SRV_CNTRL 200 and the EPD 100 and SRV_AP 300 about tunnel info, logging info, billing info, device peer pair data, and other forms of relevant information.

0095Between the EPD 100 and SRV_AP 300 are two types of communication path. The direct tunnel is where Third Layer traffic, information and binary files can be pushed as data packets via path P7206-C. There also exists an API call framework between EPD 100 and SRV_AP 300 via P7206-B to API 7206 to P7206-A.

0096Direct connect between EPD 100 and SRV_AP 300 via API 7206 can be for information sharing, collaboration and verification and, other information. For example, an attempt to restart a tunnel can usually be initiated by one side with the other side automatically responding and rebuilding it. However, in the case where a tunnel is stuck and cannot be rebuilt, the API can be used to send commands to try to force a tunnel restart on both ends and if still unsuccessful can share information between devices. This information may trigger a need to use new tunnel information to build a different tunnel between the two devices, or to have both devices query SVR_CNTRL 200 to obtain fresh tunnel building info. Having a communication path between them via API 7206 is therefore extremely useful.

0097API call group 7208 represents calls from the SRV CNTRL 200 and internal backend infrastructure devices and other infrastructure supporting devices of the GVN via path P7208-C. For simplicity sake of the illustration, some gateway devices are illustrated in this example embodiment and there are other types of infrastructure devices in a GVN not illustrated here which could connect via this path to the SRV_CNTRL.

0098SRV_GW_Email 7310 represents an email server and is linked to SRV CNTRL 200 via P7200-B1 to API 7208 to P7208-C. The email can be sent and received via Email Network Access Point (NAP) 7401 via P7401. A dedicated email server allows other devices to be focused in their functionality and also offers simplified administration as it is the only device type that needs to be maintained with respect to email server administration.

0099SRV_GW_FIN 7318 represents a financial gateway server through which credit card and other financial related transactions could be made to third parties via External API 7501 NAP via P501. Like the example of the SRV_GW_Email 7310, a single focused device type role allows for other devices to focus on their core functionality and presents a simplified administration with only SRV_GW_FIN 7318 servers requiring extra administration to protect financial transactions with third parties.

0100SRV_GW_Other 7315 represents other types of gateways between the GVN and other services on the internet. Communications between these types of gateway servers and SRV_CNTRL 20 is via P7208-B3 to API 7208 to P7208-C.

0101A secondary API path between SRV_AP 300 and SRV_CNTRL 200 is via P7208-A to API 7208 to P7208-C and exists for redundancy purposes and infrastructure related communication between this peer pair.

0102Another group of calls from SRV_AP servers allow a path from SRV_AP 300 to SRV_GW_Email 7310 via path P7208-A to API 7208 to P7208-B1, and to SRV_GW_FIN 7318 via P7208-A to API 7208 to P7208-B2, and to SRV_GW_Other 7315 via P7208-A to API 7208 to P7208-B3. These can be for API calls for data exchange directly from SRV_AP 300 to those devices.

0103The API calls which transit via P7208-A can also represent relayed API calls from other devices via the SRV_AP 300 such as from an EPD 100 to SRV_GW_FIN 7318 via path P7206-B to API 7206 to P7206-A to SRV_AP 300 to P7208-A to API 7208 to P7208-B2 where the flow of the API call through SRV_AP 300 is only another hop in the chain with client being one end EPD 100 and server being the other end SRV_GW_FIN 7318.

0104API calls and other types of information exchange are essential to the operations of devices in the GVN. In some embodiments, types of Automated Infrastructure Operations may include: keeping Device operating systems configuration up to date; updating software packages of the O/S and modules from reliable sources to repository which can house update software for ease and predictability of patching, updating and new installs; deploying new global virtual network software modules and keeping installed modules up to date; controlled replication of the GVN database(s); keeping the API actions library up-to-date; and more.

0105On each device, there may be Daemons and Heartbeat Functionality where automation and device to device interaction is required for: keeping daemons running (e.g., services up, queues up and keeping them unclogged, heartbeat functions, logging functions), connectivity and construct structure (e.g., virtual interfaces, tunnels, multiple Tunnels, routes, server availability, geographic destination, DNS, caches and chained caches functioning properly).

0106The most up to date information is required for tunnel building and this information needs to be shared between client and server or tunnels will not be able to be built.

0107There exists a need for testing and diagnostics with the reporting of results data to be analyzed centrally in order to have visibility of the overall operations of the GVN. Testing and diagnostics can include: first layer conditions; connectivity of tunnels; best route from point to point on the internet; Advanced Smart Routing (ASR) for best route through the GVN; device operations, and more.

0108The neutral API mechanism disclosed herein may be utilized to convey information about itself including but not limited to: peer pair info; queue info; transaction logs; security / accounting / logging and other related data; API Actions, patterns, data structures, and related scripts to process actions either on client or server.

0109There may be a requirement to ensure that the framework for API and Hosting is up and running. Information regarding the state and configuration of Hosting Services can also be conveyed via the neutral API mechanism disclosed herein from a device to a central control server or other devices. The neutral API mechanism may be used to convey information including but not limited to: services up status; API module up and answerable; hosting of sites; databases running; secure - SSL certificates up to date for HTTPS communication; whether components of geographic destination are running.

0110There may exist other uses for information exchange via the neutral API mechanism related to Security / Firewall / Monitoring / Collaboration / Information Exchange, and other mission critical aspects of a network environment, such as a GVN.

0111The neutral API mechanism may be a powerful medium for information exchange and a holistic self-healing is therefore possible to be deployed across devices.

0112<figref idref="f0009">Figure 8</figref> shows a diagram illustrating information flow among devices and the central control server, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. This example embodiment describes the information flow between devices of a Global Virtual Network. A central repository comprised of database B200 and file storage HFS200 may be coupled to the central control server (SRV_CNTRL) 200. In some embodiments, the central repository may store API/action information. For example, the central repository may store a definition of the API/action, a script associated with the API/action that may be used to process the API/action. In some embodiments, the central repository may also store peer relationship of devices.

0113P100200/P100300/P1008500/P200100/P200300/P2008500/P8500200/P3008500 represent communications between GVN devices which have a peer-pair and therefore privileged relationship with each other. EPD 100/SRV_AP 300/Other Device 8500 may be coupled with File Storage HFS100/HFS300/ HFS8500 and database B100/B300/B8500.

0114There is circular pattern of peer-pair communication illustrated from SRV_CNTRL 200 to EPD 100 via P200100, to SRV_AP 300 via P200300, or to other devices 8500 via P2008500. The EPD 100 communicates with SRV_CNTRL 200 via P100200, SRV_AP 300 via P300200, and other devices 8500 via P8500200.

0115In some instances, there may be a loop of information shared between devices such as in the case when an EPD 100 may request information via P100200 from SRV_CNTRL 200 which is sent back to EPD 100 via P200100.

0116In other instances, one device may report information relevant to other devices such as an SRV_AP 300 reporting via P300200 to SRV_CNTRL 200 which is then sends information via P200100 to EPDs 100, or via P2003001to other devices 8500.

0117In yet other instances, a full loop may not be required such as the sending of log information from a device such as an EPD 100 to SRV_CNTRL 200 via P100200, there is no need to further forward this information onward. However, logging information may at a later time be moved from repository on SRV_CNTRL 200 to a long-term log storage server 8500 via P2008500.

0118Direct link P100300 is between devices EPD 100 and SRV_AP 300. Direct link P3008500 is from SRV_AP 300 to other devices 8500. Direct links involve communications between devices which do not need involvement of SRV_CNTRL.

0119The PUSH info 8306 from SRV_CNTRL 200 could be an RSS feed or other type of information publishing via P8306. The API-queries 8302 from SRV_CNTRL 200 could be either a traditional API transaction or RESTful API call with request made via P8302REQ and response received via P8302RESP. The PUSH 8306 and API-queries 8302 are presented to illustrate devices which do not share peer-pair relationships, action code or definition (e.g., action code and/or definition has not been obtained, action code and/or definition is obsolete), privileged status, and/or similar systems architecture with GVN devices.

0120<figref idref="f0010">Figure 9</figref> shows a diagram illustrating backbone exchange server (SRV_BBX) topology with security and an open-jaw API sequence, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. This example embodiment illustrates a series of API calls in a sequence within an example topology of devices within a typical global virtual network.

0121The first API call's request 9A1 from an access point server SRV_AP 300 to a central, control server SRV_CNTRL 200 is received, parsed and processed by SRV_CNTRL 200. It then triggers three more API calls all initiated by the SRV_CNTRL 200. Depending on the nature of the communications, these may be in sequence or can be simultaneously processed in parallel. These three additional calls of request 9A2 to a backbone exchange server SRV_BBX 9800 and response back 9A3, 9A4 request to another SRV_BBX 9810 and its response 9A5, and finally the third additional API call of request 9A6 to SRV_AP9302 and its response 9A7 back to SRV_CNTRL 200. When all three of these "internal" calls are completed, the final response 9A8 is returned back to SRV_AP 300, the device which initiated the first request of 9A1.

0122The API request 9A1 and response 9A8 can be characterized as an open-jaw call with a requirement that it may not complete until its internal calls 9A2-9A3 involving SRV_BBX 9800, 9A4-9A5 involving SRV_BBX 9810, and 9A6-9A7 involving SRV_AP 9302 are completed. This may be because information is required by SRV_AP 300 before it can take a subsequent action, for measuring and integration purposes, or other reason. For example, if an end-to-end tunnel should be built from SRV_AP 300 through SRV_BBX 9800 to SRV_BBX 9810 to an SRV_AP 9302 via paths 9P2 to 9P3 to 9P8, then all of those devices may need to be configured or triggered with the appropriate information and details. This type of API call can illustrate the request to set this up via 9A1 to SRV_CNTRL 200 which will then through the internal three API calls 9A2-9A3, 9A4-9A5, 9A6-A97, and the response 9A8 can include both configuration and settings information for SRV_AP 300 to utilize as well as an indication from SRV_CNTRL 200 that the other peer devices are set and ready.

0123<figref idref="f0010">Figure 9</figref> includes EIP 9500, via 9P5, POP 9600 and 9P6 to the open internet 9700. <figref idref="f0010">Figure 9</figref> includes EIP 9502, via 9P10, POP 9602 and 9P11 to /EIP 9502 the open internet 9702. 9P1 connects EPD 100 and SRV_AP 300. 9P4 connects SRV_AP 300 and EIP9500. 9P7 connects EPD 9102 and SRV_AP 9302. 9P9 connects SRV_AP and EIP9502.

0124In some embodiments, A2/A3 and A4/A5 and A6/A7 are independent API calls in series/sequences. In other embodiments, A2/A3 and A4/A5 and A6/A7 may be performed in parallel.

0125Security elements can be placed at various locations within the GVN topology illustrated herein. For example, firewalls FW 9400 and FW 9402 may be located along 9P2 and 9P8. firewalls FW 9400 and FW 9402 may protect SRV_BBX from internet threats ensuring secure backbone communications.

0126Information about secure egress and ingress points (EIP 9500 and 9502) may also be a factor in this kind of API exchange.

0127<figref idref="f0011">Figure 10</figref> shows a diagram illustrating open-jaw API call dependent on completion of internal API calls, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. This example embodiment is based on <figref idref="f0010">Figure 9</figref> and it may provide a different perspective of a set of API calls between GVN devices and an central, control server SRV_CNTRL 200 in a global virtual network GVN. Open-jaw call bookends API #1 (9A1-9A8) encapsulate and enclose internal API calls API #2 (9A2-9A3), API #3 (9A4-9A5), and API #4 (9A6-9A7).

0128Three internal round-trips are a dependency required for the exterior round-trip to be constituted as complete. RESP for API #1 (9A8) will wait for internal API calls API #2 (9A2-9A3), API #3 (9A4-9A5), API #4 (9A6-9A7) to be completed before evaluating results and sending back as RESP. Only then will the Open-Jaw API be able to close and response be sent.

0129This type of sequence is similar to a transaction set of SQL statements. All have to complete or none are able to complete. Roll back may therefore also be possible in the event of a failure of one of the calls.

0130<figref idref="f0012">Figure 11</figref> shows a diagram illustrating request/response between peer devices and between a device and a central control server, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. This example embodiment illustrates two types of Device to Device info exchange via neutral API mechanism. More specifically, <figref idref="f0012">Figure 11</figref> illustrates the two types of neutral API mechanism request REQ / response RESP posting in a closed loop between known peer pairs via 11-A and 11-B.

0131In some embodiments, device to repository calls/information exchange 11-A are where SRV_CNTRL 200 can operate in repository mode for an API peer such as EPD 100 (through 11req100200/11resp100200) or SRV_AP 300 (through 11req300200/11resp300200) or other device to query: about the device itself (e.g., a list of the device's peer); about the device's peer pair partners (e.g., information of a peer device); about the API mechanism (e.g., actions-action codes, associated handlers, scripts, payload structures, etc., scripts associated with actions, definition/structure of an action)

0132In some embodiments, SRV_CNTRL 200 can operate in more than one mode, including repository (for peers to query), peer origin (client), peer target (server).

0133Device to Device information exchange 11-B (through 11req100300/11resp100200) can be for devices to talk directly with each other, when for example, a peer pair relationship exists between them, with each having information about the other which may include security keys, tunnel information, port and IP address info, and more.

0134All devices may act in the role of a client which can make requests, in the role of a server which will actively listen for requests and provide responses, or both according to dynamic settings for that peer.

0135<figref idref="f0013">Figure 12</figref> shows a diagram illustrating closed and open loops, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. This example embodiment is based on <figref idref="f0012">Figure 11</figref> and all elements of <figref idref="f0012">Figure 11</figref> are incorporated in <figref idref="f0013">Figure 12</figref>. Different from closed loops illustrated in <figref idref="f0012">Figure 11</figref>, <figref idref="f0013">Figure 12</figref> further illustrates RESTful URL posting in an open access framework (if dynamically allowed for that specific action) possibly to unknown peers via queries 12R200 to SRV_CNTRL 200 by request REQ12R200 and response RESP12R200. For example, the URL http://path.to/cntrl/time/check may be used by a device to receive the current time. The response is echoed back in the content served by that path and may be plain text, or an array, or key-value pairs, or an encapsulated array, or other representation of data.

0136Queries 12R100 (through REQ12R100 and corresponding RESP12R100) can illustrate RESTful URL calls to an EPD 100.

0137Queries 12R300 (through REQ12R300 and corresponding RESP12R300) can illustrate RESTful URL calls to an SRV_AP 300.

0138In some embodiments, the neutral API may have varying points of access, such as closed only, open via URL only, and both closed and open via URL.

0139In some embodiments, authentication may be required for open and/or closed neutral API mechanism. In other embodiments, authentication may not be required for open and/or closed neutral API mechanism.

0140In some embodiments, for the RESTful neutral API request/response, information may be served simply by opening that URL address, or a post of information may be required as a part of the request query before any information is served. For example, when making a time inquiry, only if a valid device ID of the requesting device is presented in a post of data to that URL will the SRV_CNTRL 200 then echo back the time. Otherwise an error may be thrown with a device unknown message or no message or content echoed back.

0141<figref idref="f0014">Figure 13</figref> shows a diagram illustrating example transaction codes in a request payload, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. This example embodiment illustrates example transaction code structure for requests made by client to server within a neutral API mechanism.

0142In some embodiments, client data 13-A comprises TRC100, TRC200, TRC300. Server data 13-B comprises TRC 500. Request transaction code sequence 13-REQ comprises 13-A and 13-B. The Device_Code TRC100 refers to the identifier for the client. Date_Code TRC200 can be calculated and may be based on the current UNIX timestamp (seconds since the UNIX time epoch or POSIX time). Transaction_Code TRC300 is a universal unique identifier (UUID) code based on a sequential record of API calls made by the client. The Device_Code TRC500 refers to the target/destination device UUID for the server. These values can be separated by hyphen "-", enclosed by square brackets or otherwise encapsulated to indicate their values. For all codes, the integer value of a device or time or transaction, its associated name, and or something like a base-36 conversion of the integer may be used, or some other representation of the data.

0143The request transaction code sequence 13-REQ may be used in whole or in part to identify peer pairs, to record the transaction number, to be utilized as part of the encryption/decryption process, or for other purposes.

0144<figref idref="f0015">Figure 14</figref> shows a diagram illustrating example transaction codes in a response payload, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

0145This example embodiment illustrates the transaction code structure for responses 14-RESP made by server back to client within a neutral API mechanism (NAPIM). It includes the base of the original request transaction code TRC100/TRC200/TRC300/TRC500 with the addition of appended date code TRC600 of the response plus the transaction code TRC700 universal unique identifier (UUID) code based on a sequential record of API calls answered by the peer (server) in the form of a 14-RESP. As shown in <figref idref="f0015">Figure 14</figref>, response transaction code sequence 14-RESP comprises client data 13-A and server data 14-B. Client data 13-A comprises TRC100/TRC200/TRC300. Server data 14-B comprises TRC500/TRC600/TRC700.

0146Upon receipt by the client, the original TRC100, TRC200, TRC300 and TFC500 elements can be utilized by the client to confirm the veracity of the 14-RESP received back and can be used to match this information with the original request made. The TRC600 and TRC700 elements can also be logged by the client to record the response details for validation purposes.

0147The response transaction code sequence 14-RESP may be used in whole or in part to identify peer pairs, to record the transaction number, to be utilized as part of the encryption/decryption process, or for other purposes.

0148<figref idref="f0016">Figure 15</figref> shows a diagram illustrating example element mappings in a request/response payload, in a closed loop, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. This example embodiment illustrates the relationships between Action-Codes in outer payloads to Action-Code-Extended within internal payloads. It also maps some of the action code elements at various steps of the API sequence in a neutral API mechanism to Action-Code / Action-Code-Extended items. These scripts, database, and action items occur in three stages: on Source Peer (pre-posting) at stage STR1; On Destination Peer (on receiving posted REQ) at stage STR2; on Source Peer (on receiving post of returned RESP) at stage STR-3.

0149As shown in <figref idref="f0016">Figure 15</figref>, in some embodiments, the API call's REQ Mech012 / RESP Mech022 are made between known and related peers via secure framework of the neutral API mechanism. NAPIM-Operations Mech100 comprises Mech012 (via Mech010) and Mech022 (via Mech010).

0150Action-Code is the public short form which is included in the outer payload AC-O. Action-Code-Extended is internal, longer form which is securely enclosed in the encrypted Inner Payload AC-I. When decrypting the inner payload from the outer payload, these codes must be related to each other or if they do not, it may be an indicator of a man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack, replay attack, or other problem which will render the API call sequence invalid. This is both for operational and security reasons.

0151On Source Peer (pre-posting) at stage STR1, payload REQ generator script STR1-02 - the structure of the internal payload AC-I for that specific action is prepared, populated and then encrypted into outer payload AC-O.

0152Also on Source Peer (pre-posting) at stage STR1, database stored payload definition STR1-04 for REQ payload structure definition - the definition of the internal payload AC-I structure for that specific action is defined herein associated to the specific action. This can aid in creating the payload, in checking its validity, in parsing it, and in other functionality of the API call.

0153At step NAPIM - POST of REQ Mech012, the posting of the REQ from client peer to listening server peer occurs.

0154On Destination Peer (on receiving posted REQ) at STR2: script STR2-02 as post parser parses PL-01-OUTER (Handle Request inclusion into generic parser) - the generic parser can include helper parsers based on the action code in the Outer Payload AC-O; database stored payload definition STR2-04 for PL01-INNER may be used to parse PL01-INNER; script STR2-06 handles action to take (In some embodiments, STR2-06 may retrieve or execute supporting files, supporting modules, and/or supporting classes/functions); Logger STR2-08 logs (logging to do around action and/or description of action and/or records actions); Script STR2-10 generates response RESP Payload PL02-OUTER from PL02-INNER (specific to action); database stored payload definition STR2-12 for RESP payload structure PL02-INNER definition (specific to action) may be used to create PL02-INNER.

0155At step NAPIM - POST of RESP Mech022, the posting of the RESP back from server peer to original client peer occurs.

0156On Source Peer (on receiving post of returned RESP) at stage STR3: Script STR3-02 as post parser parses PL02-OUTER and separates out PL02-INNER (handle RESP inclusion into generic parser); database stored REQ/RESP combined payload structure definition STR3-04 may be used to parse PL02-INNER; Script 3-06 handles action contained within RESP PL02-INNER; Logger STR3-08 performs logging; script 3-10 check if addition new API calls need to be triggered; script STR3-12 handles closing, finishing, cleaning up, reporting, etc. of this API sequence.

0157The above examples of scripts, database stored payload definitions, actions to take within a defined action code, other elements of the action-code within a neutral API mechanism can be utilized with other elements to execute a diverse range of many different actions through one neutral API mechanism framework.

0158<figref idref="f0017">Figure 16</figref> shows a diagram illustrating example element mappings in a request/response payload, in an open/RESTFul loop, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. This example embodiment illustrates the mapping of variables extracted from Action-URL-Var AC-P mapped to an Action-Code-Open AC-U to utilize the action associated with the URL vars. This is an aspect of the neutral API mechanism for fulfilling OPEN URL RESTful inquiries.

0159NAPIM - Operations Mech200 comprises parse request path posted Mech 212 (via Mech210) and echo response Mech 222 (via Mech220). The URL request is parsed to extract variables from the URL via Mech212. The Action-URL-VAR will be evaluated to find an Action-Code-Open AC-U association with a known action.

0160In some embodiments, URL Listener and Path Parser STR5 comprises the following elements: script STR5-02 as path parser identifies action-url-var in posted path vars; database stored Action-Code-Open structure definition (specific to action) STR5-04 may be used to parse; script STR5-06 processes the action; Logger STR5-08 performs logging; script STR5-10 prepares content to echo (per action); script STR5-14 handles closing, finishing, cleaning up, reporting, etc. of this RESTFul API sequence; script STR5-16 checks if it has hook for On-X-Trigger in the vars posted on the URL path.

0161The above elements of STR5 can be utilized to handle RESTful OPEN requests mapped to defined actions within the neutral API mechanism. Not all are necessary and other elements not indicated in this example embodiment may also be utilized for one, many or all actions. Results may be echoed back via Mech222.

0162In some embodiments, not every action is accessible via an OPEN / RESTful API call. This is dynamically defined per action and can also be depended or dependent on a number of factors, including the possible requirement of a posted variable in addition to variables harvested from the original URL path request.

0163<figref idref="f0018">Figure 17</figref> shows a diagram illustrating collaboration and relationship among main modules used by the neutral API mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. This example embodiment illustrates core modules of the neutral API mechanism including the related paths for communication between devices.

0164The devices illustrated are an end point device EPD 100, a central, control server SRV_CNTRL 200, and an access point server SRV_AP 300. Other device types may also participate in the NAPIM and communicate with each other.

0165In some embodiments, on each peer device, there is an info repository, such as the info repository D193 on the EPD 100 and the info repository D393 on the SRV_AP 300. Each info repository may have an associated database such as B193 for D193, and B393 for D393. All devices may receive updated information for their local info repository via API call or other information conveyance method from the Central Info Repository D293 on the SRV_CNTRL 200. This central repository D293 may have an associated database B293. Info repository D193/D293/D393 may store API/action information, including but not limited to scripts related to an action, a definition related to the action, availability of the action (e.g., via a flag that indicates the availability), deprecation of the action (e.g., via a flag that indicates the action is deprecated). The definition may enable creating and parsing of the payload (e.g., response payload and request payload) of the action.

0166In some embodiments, Device Managers D191, D291, and D391 may have information stored in databases B191, B291 and B391, etc. for the device to have information about itself. This can be seeded locally at set up of the device or through the lifetime of the device, be seeded or updated by API calls to/from the SRV_CNTRL 200.

0167In some embodiments, each device may have a NAPIM manager such as D192 on EPD 100, D392 on SRV_AP 300 and D292 on SRV_CNTRL 200. These managers handle the operation of the framework of the NAPIM.

0168In some embodiments, API action codes, scripts, classes, definitions, and other supporting methods are managed by the NAPIM managers, including ensuring that the mechanism is up to date, that dependencies are in place, and other elements are functional to ensure smooth operations of the NAPIM.

0169In some embodiments, updates from devices to SRV_CNTRL 200 are via PA1 or PA2 or other direct P-2-CNTRL routes or calls. These can be initiated from either end.

0170In some embodiments, communications paths TP01 via CP03 to TP02 could represent a tunnel to push traffic between an EPD 100 and an SRV_AP 300. Or other type of communication and/or device interaction.

0171In some embodiments, path CP02 could represent either a direct tunnel between devices, an API call in either direction, or other type of communication between an EPD 100 and an SRV_AP 300.

0172The above nine points are examples of possibilities. More are also possible. The key point is that the rigid outer framework, posting, listening, handling and other aspects of the neutral API mechanism combined with a virtually unlimited amount of dynamically updateable actions offer incredible flexibility while at the same time securely automating and simplifying many aspects of API frameworks and relationships of peers therein.

0173The present disclosure is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments described herein. Indeed, other various embodiments of and modifications to the present disclosure, in addition to those described herein, will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the foregoing description and accompanying drawings. Thus, such other embodiments and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Further, although the present disclosure has been described herein in the context of at least one particular implementation in at least one particular environment for at least one particular purpose, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that its usefulness it not limited thereto and that the present disclosure may be beneficially implemented in any number of environments for any number of purposes. Accordingly, the claims set forth below should be construed in view the present disclosure as described herein.