Dynamic Proxy Auto-Configuration Script Generation for Network Traffic Steering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Properly routing network traffic between clients and servers through intermediary devices in a networked environment is challenging due to the complexity of managing connections and optimizing performance.

Innovation Solution

The system uses dynamically generated configuration scripts to steer network traffic by determining whether to establish an indirect or direct connection between clients and servers, based on client and server profiles, network conditions, and security protocols, utilizing a client-side appliance with a script generator, traffic router, and database to manage communication paths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manually configured proxy settings are used, then connection establishment is straightforward, but network traffic routing cannot be dynamically optimized based on real-time conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic traffic routingVSAvoidconfiguration management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables clients to automatically obtain and apply proxy configuration settings without manual intervention. The script generator creates PAC files that clients self-configure, allowing dynamic traffic routing adaptation while eliminating complex manual configuration management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback loops where the script generator continuously monitors network conditions, client profiles, and server status, then dynamically updates proxy configurations accordingly. This closed-loop control enables automatic optimization of traffic routing based on real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If static proxy configurations are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but performance optimization under varying network conditions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork performanceVSAvoiddynamic configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static proxy configurations to dynamic, adaptable configurations. The script generator produces updated PAC files based on changing network conditions, client states, and server availability, enabling the system to automatically optimize performance without requiring full automation of configuration management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes proxy configuration parameters including proxy server addresses, port numbers, and routing rules based on real-time network conditions. The script generator modifies these parameters in the PAC files to optimize traffic flow, authentication methods, and connection paths according to current system state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple intermediary devices are deployed for traffic management, then routing flexibility increases, but resource consumption at intermediary devices increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverouting flexibilityVSAvoidintermediary device resources
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different proxy configuration strategies to different clients and traffic types based on their specific requirements. The script generator creates customized PAC files that route traffic through appropriate intermediary devices only when necessary, reducing unnecessary resource consumption at intermediaries while maintaining routing flexibility where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements selective traffic steering where only specific client traffic is routed through intermediary devices based on authentication requirements, traffic type, and network conditions. This partial application of intermediary processing reduces overall resource consumption while maintaining the ability to provide full routing flexibility when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3973668B1Network traffic steering with programmatically generated proxy auto-configuration files
Publication Date: 2023.11.22 CITRIX SYSTEMS INC
  • EP3973668B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3973668B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3973668B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

Described embodiments provide systems and methods for steering network traffic using dynamically generated configuration scripts. A first device may generate a configuration script for an application on the client for connecting with a server. The configuration script may specify the application to establish a direct connection or an indirect connection with the server. The first device may provide the configuration script to be invoked by the application to identify a first address to access the server based on a determination to establish the direct connection or the indirect connection. The first device may receive, from the client, an initiation request to connect with the server including the first address. The first device may determine second address by applying a routing policy to the first address. The first device may establish one of the direct connection or the indirect connection using the second address.