Dynamic NAT Mapping via DNS Triggers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network Address Translation (NAT) environments limit the visibility of internal hosts, restricting external communication and access due to the sharing of limited external addresses, making it difficult for multiple internal systems to be reachable from the Internet.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic NAT mechanism that maps internal host system addresses to external network addresses, reconfiguring the NAT device on demand in response to DNS lookup requests, allowing increased access through dynamic leases and DNS proxy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional NAT is used to share external addresses among multiple internal hosts, then security is improved by hiding internal hosts, but external visibility and accessibility of internal hosts deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic NAT where the mapping between internal and external addresses is not fixed but can be changed on-demand. The system dynamically creates, modifies, and removes address mappings based on real-time needs, allowing the NAT device to adapt its configuration dynamically rather than using static pre-defined mappings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of address mapping from static to dynamic. By introducing dynamic lease mechanisms and on-demand mapping creation, the system allows the NAT device to modify address assignments based on current network conditions and requirements, transforming the rigid address allocation into a flexible parameter that can change over time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple external addresses are assigned to different internal systems, then external accessibility is improved, but the number of reachable internal systems is limited to the number of external addresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to address mapping. Instead of being limited to simultaneous one-to-one mappings, the system allows multiple internal hosts to share external addresses at different times through dynamic leases. This temporal multiplexing enables the number of reachable internal systems to exceed the number of external addresses by utilizing time-based access.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic lease mechanism allows the NAT device to create and remove address mappings on-demand, enabling flexible allocation of external addresses to internal hosts. The system can dynamically assign external addresses to different internal systems based on current needs, allowing more internal systems to be accessible than the number of external addresses available.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic NAT mapping is created on-demand in response to DNS lookup requests, then internal host visibility is improved, but system complexity and configuration overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses DNS lookup requests as automatic triggers to create NAT mappings. When an external device performs a DNS lookup for an internal host, the system automatically creates the necessary mapping without requiring manual configuration or intervention. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for complex manual setup while maintaining dynamic visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where DNS lookup requests from external devices trigger the creation of NAT mappings. The system monitors DNS traffic and uses this feedback to automatically configure address mappings, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to external needs without requiring complex manual configuration.
4Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic leases with TTL-based lifecycle control are implemented, then mapping management is improved, but processing time and system overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures lease durations and TTL values before creating NAT mappings. By establishing these time parameters in advance, the system can automatically manage mapping lifecycle without requiring real-time processing decisions. The preliminary setup of time-based parameters allows for efficient automatic expiration and renewal of mappings.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanism for dynamically performing Network Address Translation that allows external devices to contact internal host systems that would otherwise be hidden behind a NAT device is discussed. The dynamic NAT mechanism of the present invention maps internal host system addresses to external network addresses and reconfigures the NAT configuration of the network firewall to account for the new mapping on demand. Domain Name Service (DNS) lookup requests for an authorized internal system serve as a trigger to create a new mapping between the internal host system and the external network address. The new mappings may have a lifecycle controlled by dynamic leases that are created for each new mapping.