Dynamic Packet Inspection Policy Generation for Network Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
In network security infrastructure, packet inspection is inefficient due to repeated inspections across multiple security agents or appliances, leading to resource wastage and performance deterioration, as existing systems lack dynamic load sharing and capability synchronization between policy enforcement points.
Innovation Solution
A centralized management system generates and dynamically adjusts packet inspection policies for each policy enforcement point based on network topology data and capability metadata, including processor capability, bandwidth, and running status, to optimize packet inspection processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If comprehensive packet inspection is performed on all policy enforcement points, then network security coverage is improved, but system resource consumption increases and performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses capability metadata as a form of information copy that allows policy enforcement points to understand each other's inspection capabilities without actually performing duplicate inspections. The centralized management system propagates capability information across the network, enabling intelligent packet routing decisions that avoid redundant inspections while maintaining comprehensive security coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the inspection parameters at each policy enforcement point based on capability metadata and load status. Instead of performing the same comprehensive inspection everywhere, the system adjusts which inspections are performed where, optimizing resource utilization while maintaining security effectiveness through parameter-based differentiation.
2Reliability
If packet inspection is performed by multiple security agents on the same packet route, then security inspection thoroughness is improved, but redundant inspections occur and resource wastage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where policy enforcement points share their inspection status and capability metadata with the centralized management system. This feedback loop enables the system to make intelligent routing decisions that direct packets to policy enforcement points that have not yet performed specific inspections, eliminating redundant inspections while maintaining thorough security coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized management system acts as an intermediary that coordinates between multiple policy enforcement points. It collects capability metadata, determines optimal packet routing paths, and distributes packets to appropriate policy enforcement points based on their capabilities and current load, preventing redundant inspections while ensuring comprehensive security coverage.
3Ease of manufacture
If static packet inspection policies are deployed to policy enforcement points, then policy deployment simplicity is improved, but dynamic load balancing and adaptability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static packet inspection policies into dynamic ones by introducing capability metadata and load status monitoring. Policy enforcement points continuously report their current state, and the centralized management system dynamically adjusts packet routing decisions based on real-time conditions, enabling adaptive load balancing while maintaining policy consistency across the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by collecting and propagating capability metadata before actual packet inspection occurs. The centralized management system pre-configures policy enforcement points with their capability information and uses this pre-collected data to make intelligent routing decisions, avoiding the need for complex real-time negotiations while achieving dynamic adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanism is provided for generating a packet inspection policy for a policy enforcement point in a centralized management environment. Data of a network topology for the policy enforcement point corresponding to a network infrastructure is updated according to metadata of the policy enforcement point, the metadata including a capability of the policy enforcement point. The packet inspection policy for the policy enforcement point is generated according to the data of the network topology and the capability of the policy enforcement point. The packet inspection policy is then deployed to the policy enforcement point.