DNS Server Intermediary for Client-Side Filtering Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional Internet-filtering systems are cumbersome, expensive, and complex to install and maintain, especially as the number of client systems in an organization increases, as they require configuration on each device and can grow in cost.

Innovation Solution

The system identifies a domain-name-system request from a client, bundles a filtering policy with it, and forwards the request to a domain-name-system server, allowing for effective filtering of Internet access by applying policies at the server level, minimizing client configuration and equipment costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If filtering software is installed on each client system, then Internet access filtering is achieved, but device complexity and maintenance cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveInternet access filteringVSAvoidfiltering software configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a domain name server as an intermediary component that handles filtering operations. Instead of installing filtering software on each client system, the domain name server acts as a centralized mediator that receives domain name requests from clients, applies filtering policies, and returns results. This eliminates the need for complex client-side filtering software while maintaining reliable Internet access filtering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If filtering software is installed on each client system, then Internet access filtering is achieved, but maintenance cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveInternet access filteringVSAvoidmaintenance cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The domain name server is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the standard domain name resolution server and the filtering operation center. By combining these functions, the system eliminates the need for separate filtering software installations on client systems, thereby reducing maintenance costs while maintaining reliable Internet access filtering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If gateway filtering is used, then Internet access filtering is achieved, but cost increases with organization size

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveInternet access filteringVSAvoidscalability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The domain name server serves as a scalable intermediary that can handle filtering operations for any number of client systems. As the organization grows, the domain name server can simply process additional requests without requiring additional gateway infrastructure or increasing costs, providing both reliable filtering and excellent scalability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8955096B1Systems and methods for filtering internet access

Publication Date: 2015.02.10 GEN DIGITAL INC

AI summary

A computer-implemented method for filtering Internet access may include: 1) identifying a domain-name-system request from a client system, 2) identifying a filtering policy for the client system, 3) bundling the filtering policy with the domain-name-system request, and then 4) forwarding the bundled domain-name-system request to a domain-name-system server. Various other methods and systems are also disclosed.