SSL VPN Tunnel Configuration with FQDN Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SSL VPN implementations do not support fully qualified domain name (FQDN) hosts, limiting the ability to tunnel traffic based on FQDN addresses, which restricts dynamic IP address management and requires static IP configurations.
Innovation Solution
The system includes an FQDN service that resolves FQDNs to IP addresses, which are then written to a configuration file and provided to the SSL VPN service, allowing clients to configure tunnel routes dynamically and automatically, with a configuration service monitoring changes to FQDNs and disconnecting clients as necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If SSL VPN implementations use static IP configurations, then connection stability is improved, but adaptability to dynamic IP addresses deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary DNS resolution of FQDNs to IP addresses before establishing the SSL VPN tunnel. The resolved IP addresses are pre-configured in the tunnel configuration, allowing the tunnel to be established with specific IP addresses while still supporting dynamic changes through periodic re-resolution of FQDNs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically resolves FQDNs to IP addresses at tunnel establishment and periodically thereafter. This allows the tunnel configuration to adapt to changing IP addresses associated with FQDNs while maintaining stable tunnel connections through automated reconfiguration when IP changes are detected.
2Adaptability or versatility
If SSL VPN tunnels support FQDN hosts with dynamic IP resolution, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an FQDN service as an intermediary component that handles DNS resolution separately from the SSL VPN tunnel establishment process. This mediator service resolves FQDNs to IP addresses and provides them to the tunnel configuration, separating the complexity of DNS management from the VPN tunnel management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the SSL VPN functionality into separate components: the SSL VPN service handles tunnel establishment and management, while the FQDN service handles domain name resolution. This segmentation allows each component to focus on its specific function, reducing overall system complexity despite adding FQDN support.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration changes are required for FQDN updates, then configuration precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated FQDN resolution and tunnel reconfiguration without requiring administrator intervention. When FQDN IP addresses change, the system automatically detects the change through periodic DNS queries, updates the tunnel configuration with the new IP addresses, and maintains continuous tunnel operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the FQDN service periodically queries DNS servers to check for IP address changes associated with configured FQDNs. When changes are detected, the system automatically updates the tunnel configuration and notifies relevant components, creating a closed-loop system that maintains accurate configurations without manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for monitoring a file establishing a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Virtual Private Network (VPN) tunnel route. The method includes receiving a connection request from a client associated with a fully qualified domain name (FQDN) to use a SSLVPN tunnel service; referencing a data storage for data associated with the client; constructing a client configuration file based on the data associated with the client; resolving the FQDN associated with the client to at least one internet protocol (IP) address; storing the resolved IP address in the configuration file; and communicating the configuration file to the client to instruct the client regarding how to automatically configure an SSL VPN tunnel route for the at least one resolved IP address.