Distributed Network Interface Fabric for Application Spoofing Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network security technologies are inadequate in protecting applications from external threats, particularly spoofing attacks, as they rely on the robustness of network interfaces, which can be compromised, leading to potential substantial losses.

Innovation Solution

Deploying a networking infrastructure that distributes an application's network interface across nodes in a fabric, allowing for the isolation of threats by configuring nodes with interface modules responsive to the application's network address, enabling transparent packet exchange and real-time reconfiguration of communication paths for monitoring and protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If applications are directly accessible via network interfaces, then ease of operation is improved, but security against spoofing attacks deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication accessibilityVSAvoidspoofing attack vulnerability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a network interface card driver as an intermediary layer between the application and the physical network interface. This driver acts as a mediator that handles all network communications, allowing the application to remain unaware of the actual network interface details. The driver can present virtual network interface information to the application while maintaining secure control over actual network communications, thus preventing spoofing attacks while preserving application accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the network interface functionality into separate components: the physical network interface card, the driver software layer, and the application layer. This segmentation allows the driver to manage network communications securely while the application focuses on its core functionality. By separating concerns and introducing abstraction layers, the system maintains ease of operation while enhancing security against spoofing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If network interface security measures are strengthened, then security against threats is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork securityVSAvoidinterface architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the network interface card driver automatically manages security functions without requiring complex external security systems. The driver handles authentication, encryption, and threat detection autonomously, reducing the need for additional complex security infrastructure. This self-service approach enhances network security while minimizing the increase in overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The network interface card driver is designed to perform multiple functions: data transmission, security management, spoofing detection, and application communication. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional driver component, the system achieves strong network security without proportionally increasing device complexity. The universal driver handles various security scenarios using unified mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20240235892A1Distributed Network Interfaces For Application Cloaking And Spoofing
Publication Date: 2024.07.11 NANT HOLDINGS IP LLC
  • US20240235892A1 patent drawing
  • US20240235892A1 patent drawing
  • US20240235892A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods associated with distributing an application's network interface over nodes of a networking fabric are presented. Nodes of the fabric can operate as interface modules, each taking on a role or responsibility for a portion of the application's network address including IP address, port assignments, or other portions of the network address. Interface modules of the networking nodes can then spoof or cloak the application to provide security against internal or external threats.