Multiplexing Encrypted Tunnels via Custom Header Metadata
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing encrypted tunnels face challenges in multiplexing multiple connections due to encryption hiding essential information from middleware, leading to operational difficulties in cloud environments, such as port changes and timing issues in tunnel creation, which hinder effective load balancing and routing.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a custom header between the outer UDP header and encryption header, including metadata in the custom tunnel header, and using modules for packet manipulation and decapsulation to enable multiplexing encrypted tunnels without modifying existing middleware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If encryption is applied to protect privacy and security, then security is improved, but middleware cannot access essential information for load balancing and routing
Solution Approach 1:
The packet structure is segmented into multiple layers: outer UDP header, custom tunnel header with metadata, encrypted payload, and inner packet. This segmentation allows middleware to access routing information in the unencrypted custom header while the payload remains encrypted for security.
Solution Approach 2:
A custom header acts as an intermediary layer between the encrypted tunnel and the outer UDP header. This intermediary contains metadata that middleware can process for routing decisions without decrypting the actual tunnel content, thus preserving both security and information accessibility.
2Reliability
If multiple encrypted tunnels are created through separate ports, then tunnel isolation is improved, but port management complexity and operational difficulties increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple encrypted tunnels are merged and multiplexed through a single UDP port. The custom header contains tunnel identifiers that allow the system to distinguish between different tunnels while using the same port, reducing port management complexity while maintaining tunnel isolation through logical separation.
Solution Approach 2:
A single UDP port serves multiple functions by handling multiple encrypted tunnels simultaneously. The custom header enables the port to differentiate between tunnels and apply appropriate routing rules, making the port universal rather than dedicated to a single tunnel.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tunnel creation timing is flexible, then adaptability is improved, but timing issues and operational difficulties in cloud environments worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The custom header is prepared and attached to packets before encryption and tunnel establishment. This preliminary action includes setting up routing metadata and tunnel identifiers in advance, allowing middleware to perform load balancing and routing decisions without waiting for tunnel creation to complete, thus reducing timing issues.
Data Source
AI summary
Multiplexing of encrypted tunnels is facilitated by the use of a custom header. Upon receiving a packet, information about the packet is collected stored, such as a port number, destination instance identifier, and a hash key. A custom packet is generated that includes the encrypted packet and a custom header including some or all of the collected information. Middleware may retrieve information from the custom header to perform load balancing, routing, or other function. The destination instance may use information from the custom header to obtain the port number, which may be changed in the custom packet to accommodate limitations of the middleware.