Encryption Key Routing for Secure Relay Network Communications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network communication technologies face challenges in maintaining security and configuration complexity, especially when dealing with diverse computing systems and intermediary or relay systems, leading to difficulties in establishing secure connections.
Innovation Solution
A method using distributed encryption keys for packet management, where public encryption keys in communication headers are used to identify and direct packets to their destinations, with relay computing elements acting as intermediaries to bypass firewall obstacles and maintain network security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional network security technologies (VLANs, encryption) are used to secure communications, then security is improved, but configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces encryption keys as an intermediary mechanism to simplify network configuration. Instead of configuring complex security policies for each communication pair, a coordination service automatically manages key distribution. The public key in the packet header acts as a mediator that enables relay systems to route encrypted communications without exposing underlying network topology or requiring complex firewall configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service through automatic key distribution and packet routing. The coordination service automatically manages key pairing between computing elements, and relay systems automatically route packets based on public keys in headers without manual configuration. This eliminates the need for administrators to manually configure security policies for each communication path.
2Adaptability or versatility
If relay computing systems are introduced to connect diverse computing systems, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal communication framework where encryption keys serve multiple functions: authentication, routing, and security. The same public key in the packet header enables relay systems to perform routing decisions without needing separate configuration mechanisms for different computing system types. This universal approach allows diverse systems (with different firewalls and security measures) to communicate through a common protocol.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the routing parameter from traditional IP addresses to encryption keys. By using public keys in packet headers instead of direct IP addressing, the relay systems can route communications across diverse network topologies and firewall configurations. This parameter change enables adaptability to different computing systems while simplifying the relay logic.
3Ease of operation
If public IP addresses are exposed for direct communication, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses encryption keys as intermediaries to replace direct IP address exposure. The public key in the packet header serves as a safe intermediary that allows communication without revealing the destination's public IP address. Relay systems use this key to route packets through secure paths, maintaining both simplicity (automatic routing) and security (no direct address exposure).
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a copy of the public key in the packet header as a safe representation of the destination identity. Instead of exposing the actual IP address, the relay systems work with key copies that contain routing information but not the underlying network address. This copying mechanism maintains operational simplicity while enhancing security.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are systems, methods, and software to direct communications for a private network using advertised encryption key information. In one implementation, a first computing element identifies an encrypted communication from a second computing element and identifies a destination computing element from a plurality of destination computing elements based on an application of encryption keys to the encrypted communication. The first computing element further forwards the encrypted communication to the destination computing element.