Clientless VPN Roaming via Local Proxy 802.1x Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Enterprise users connecting from off-premises locations face cumbersome VPN client installations and complex authentication procedures, which hinder seamless access to enterprise networks without the need for additional VPN infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a clientless VPN roaming system using 802.1x authentication, where a local proxy in the visited network establishes an encrypted tunnel with the enterprise network, allowing remote devices to access the enterprise network securely without installing VPN clients on the devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional VPN client installation is used for off-premises users, then secure access to enterprise network is achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to installation and configuration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a local proxy as an intermediary component deployed in the visited network (e.g., enterprise branch office) that mediates between the remote device and enterprise network. The local proxy establishes the encrypted tunnel and handles authentication, eliminating the need for VPN clients on remote devices while maintaining secure access. This resolves the contradiction by shifting complexity from the end-user device to the network infrastructure.
2Reliability
If VPN infrastructure is deployed for roaming users, then secure connection is established, but device complexity and infrastructure requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The local proxy acts as a mediator that eliminates the need for complex VPN infrastructure at remote devices. By deploying the tunnel establishment capability at the enterprise network side (local proxy) rather than requiring it on every remote device, the patent reduces device complexity while maintaining connection security through encrypted tunnels.
Solution Approach 2:
The local proxy provides universal access capability for multiple remote devices simultaneously. Instead of requiring each device to have its own VPN client and configuration, a single local proxy serves multiple users, reducing overall infrastructure complexity while maintaining security for all connections.
3Ease of operation
If 802.1x authentication is implemented without VPN client, then ease of operation improves, but authentication mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The local proxy serves as an intermediary that handles the complex 802.1x authentication process between the remote device and enterprise network. The remote device simply needs to support standard 802.1x authentication (already common in enterprise environments), while the local proxy manages the authentication complexity, certificate validation, and tunnel establishment, thereby simplifying the user experience without reducing authentication security.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for clientless virtual private network (VPN) roaming with 802.1x authentication and includes one or more processors and one or more computer-readable non-transitory storage media coupled to the one or more processors and comprising instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause one or more components to perform operations including, receiving, at a local proxy, an 802.1x communication including authentication information from a remote device wirelessly connected to a visited network, wherein the remote device requests access to an enterprise network; authenticating the remote device with the enterprise network using the authentication information; establishing an encrypted tunnel between the visited network and the enterprise network; and transmitting data between the remote device and the enterprise network through the encrypted tunnel.