Firewall Using Host Identity Tags for Dynamic IP Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large computer networks or cloud computing environments with dynamic IP addresses, maintaining firewall configurations to filter incoming and outgoing traffic based on IP addresses becomes challenging due to the frequent changes in IP addresses, leading to the need for frequent updates.
Innovation Solution
A firewall configuration that incorporates network security information by triggering security protocols like IKE/IPsec to establish secured connections based on host identity verification, rather than relying solely on IP addresses, allowing encrypted traffic and filtering based on cryptographically verified identities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If firewall configurations are based on IP addresses in dynamic network environments, then traffic filtering can be implemented, but frequent IP address changes require frequent firewall updates, increasing maintenance complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the filtering parameter from IP addresses to host identity tags. Instead of configuring firewall rules based on dynamic IP addresses, the system assigns persistent identity tags to hosts that remain constant even when IP addresses change. This parameter change eliminates the need for frequent firewall rule updates while maintaining effective traffic filtering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces host identity tags as an intermediary between the firewall and the actual hosts. These tags serve as a stable reference that decouples the firewall configuration from dynamic IP addresses. The identity tag system acts as a mediator that allows the firewall to filter traffic based on persistent identifiers rather than volatile network addresses.
2Productivity
If firewall configurations are frequently updated to accommodate dynamic IP addresses, then traffic filtering remains effective, but the frequency of configuration changes increases operational overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by assigning host identity tags to devices before they need to be filtered by the firewall. These identity tags are established in advance and remain persistent, allowing the firewall to immediately filter traffic based on pre-assigned identifiers without requiring configuration updates when IP addresses change.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent fundamentally changes the parameter used for firewall filtering from transient IP addresses to persistent host identity tags. This parameter change transforms the firewall configuration from a dynamic, frequently-changing set of rules to a stable, long-term configuration that maintains productivity without requiring continuous updates.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional IP-based firewall filtering is used, then implementation is straightforward, but security is compromised in dynamic environments where IP addresses change frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces host identity tags as an intermediary layer that maintains both simplicity and security. The tag system provides a straightforward configuration method similar to traditional IP-based filtering, while simultaneously improving security by using persistent identifiers that remain valid even when IP addresses change in dynamic network environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The host identity tag system serves multiple functions: it provides simple firewall configuration like traditional IP-based systems, maintains security in dynamic environments, and enables persistent host identification across IP changes. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between ease of implementation and security reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of implementing a firewall incorporating network security information includes configuring a firewall at a first computing device. The firewall is configured to initiate the first computing device to establish a secured connection with a second computing device in response to the firewall determining that a data packet received from the second computing device or to be transmitted to the second computing device is unencrypted. The first computing device detects the data packet, where the data packet is received from the second computing device or to be transmitted to the second computing device. In response to detecting that the data packet is unencrypted, the secured connection is established between the first computing device and the second computing device.