Acknowledging the diverse linguistic landscape of the Asia Pacific, developers have created a tool allowing researchers and students in the region to safely exchange large files in more than 20 languages. They are using FileSender, an application developed by the global research and education network community.
FileSender is the first application of an underlying campaign by BdREN, the national research and education network (NREN) of Bangladesh, and APAN, the Asia Pacific Advanced Network to make interaction between the research and education networks of the region smoother. The effort is based on identity federation, which allows users to gain access to multiple systems and services across different domains without the need for multiple credentials.
“Identity federation is a transformative approach to digital identity management. By establishing trust relationships between identity providers and service providers, the authentication process is streamlined, enhancing user convenience and security,” says Mohammad Tawrit, CEO of BdREN.
Introducing a universal backup identifier
Federated identity management is essential for the research and education network community, where researchers, students, and faculty members frequently require access to resources and services hosted by different institutions and organizations. A protocol used widely for the purpose is Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML).
“By utilizing SAML, users benefit from single sign-on capabilities, reducing the need for multiple usernames and passwords while enhancing security. However, implementing and maintaining SAML infrastructure requires significant technical expertise and resources, which can be burdensome for smaller institutions. Therefore, we were determined to create a solution for federated identity which allows institutions and networks to participate without necessarily implementing SAML themselves,” explains Mohammad Tawrit.
Considering SAML as the long-standing standard protocol in the field, and considering the limitations of the institutions, BdREN, in collaboration with APAN, has introduced the Identity Provider of Last Resort (IdPoLR). The IdPoLR acts as a universal backup identity provider, ensuring that institutions without SAML infrastructure can still participate in federated identity networks.
Enhances digital inclusivity
The IdPoLR acts as an identity provider under the national identify federation TIGERfed, the only research and education federation being operated by BdREN in Bangladesh. TIGERfed is connected to eduGAIN – the international federated access organization – where the authentication protocol being used is SAML. The credentials for non-SAML users are created in IdPoLR allowing the former to get access to federated services.
In other words, the solution facilitates seamless access to federated services by providing an alternative access method that bridges the gap between non-SAML institutions and federated services.
Already, the APACFileSender application developed by APAN and BdREN is accessible through IdPoLR. The application allows a user to send large files to any other user having a valid email address.
“The deployment of IdPoLR represents a pivotal development for non-SAML institutions in the APAC region, enabling them to participate in federated identity networks and access valuable e-resources and e-services. By providing a solution that bridges the gap between traditional and federated authentication methods, IdPoLR enhances the inclusivity and efficiency of the digital ecosystem in higher education and research,” ends Mohammad Tawrit.
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