On-prem and air-gapped AI
Check whether every component stays inside the intended boundary.
Reviewed: 2026-10-03
Source-based teaching example · Fictional data
Narration: Microsoft Mark · locally synthesized

00:00:00.000 — What you will learn

Check whether every component stays inside the intended boundary.

Visual description:
Check whether every component stays inside the intended boundary.

00:00:06.708 — The idea

Local inference means the model runs locally. Other components may still communicate remotely. A system diagram needs configuration and observed tests before it proves containment.

Visual description:
Local inference means the model runs locally. Other components may still communicate remotely. A system diagram needs configuration and observed tests before it proves containment.

00:00:21.375 — One useful term

Air-gapped system. A system separated from external networks; its full operating and transfer arrangements still need review.

Visual description:
A system separated from external networks; its full operating and transfer arrangements still need review.

00:00:32.625 — A worked example

The laptop uses a local model, but search calls a remote embedding service and traces go to a hosted dashboard. Two data paths leave the machine.

Visual description:
The laptop uses a local model, but search calls a remote embedding service and traces go to a hosted dashboard. Two data paths leave the machine.

00:00:44.917 — Your turn to think

Does a local model make this whole workflow disconnected? Pause and decide before continuing.

Visual description:
Does a local model make this whole workflow disconnected?
Pause the video if you need more time.

00:01:01.833 — Why this answer works

No. Replace or approve each external path and test the boundary using invented data.

Visual description:
No. Replace or approve each external path and test the boundary using invented data.

00:01:10.417 — Check 1

Map models, tools, logs and transfers.

Visual description:
Map models, tools, logs and transfers.

00:01:17.000 — Check 2

Do not equate an API with internet access.

Visual description:
Do not equate an API with internet access.

00:01:23.000 — Check 3

Label capacity calculations as estimates.

Visual description:
Label capacity calculations as estimates.

00:01:29.000 — Now try a different case

Open the lesson and try its different practice case. Use every check in the full task. Watching alone does not mark the lesson complete.

Visual description:
Open the lesson
Try the new case
Check and revise
The full task and its requirements are in the linked lesson.