Abstract

Mediator service is like a drop box / post box that Aries agents can use to receive and store encrypted messages in their stead.

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• people can send you messages at the mediator address if you are not always available to receive messages
• you can pick them up later from mediator service using pick up protocol

Mediator/ Agency are useful for scenarios like mobile phone agents which can't always receive messages. Due to reasons including:

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• Written in NodeJS. A Rust based mediator service would be desirable for better integration with vcx
• Does not support pick up protocol (uses custom data exchange)
  

A new Rust based Aries mediator service would offer.

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Deliverables

Main Deliverables:

•  Specialized high performance Aries agent (mediator to-be) that can store "forward messages" received through connection protocol.
•  Pickup protocol data structs and impl inside aries-vcx
•  Mediator service that can answer pick up protocol requests to authenticated peers
•  CI to build and test on new commits.

Extra Deliverables:

•  CI to make releases based on tags and provide binaries or docker image in Github's release section.
•  (stretch goal): design/document mediator service component that can notify registered peers on inbox message available.

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stage 5: Receiving and storing didcomm messages

•  Enable receiving messages (mediation) on behalf of a connected client (which established connection and requested mediation - stage 4)
•  Add medaitor e2e test where mediator receives and stores didcomm message

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•  Add pick-up protocol data model to aries-vcx messages crate
•  Add pick-up protocol messages parsing to mediator
•  Add mediator e2e test performing message pick-up

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Mentee

Processes

Internal communication and updates:

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Mentee maintains a blog with frequent updates:

•  Aries VCX Diaries

Other useful information can be found on this page

• Learnings and Deliverables - aries-vcx based Aries Mediator Project
• Links: Useful research, analysis and general guide.