Gateway Header Modification for Restricted Network Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Restrictive network nodes limit data communication between user terminals and gateways by blocking non-standardized ports, preventing secure connections for business users accessing company networks over public networks.
Innovation Solution
A user terminal and gateway system that packetizes data according to a predetermined protocol stack, modifies headers to adapt to different protocols, and transmits data through network nodes, allowing communication via multiple ports and protocols to bypass restrictions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a firewall is installed on a network node to protect the local network from outside attacks, then network security is improved, but data communication between user terminals and gateways is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway as an intermediary device between the public network and the local network. The gateway acts as a mediator that receives packets from user terminals, modifies their headers to use standardized ports, and forwards them through the firewall-protected network node. This intermediary approach allows secure communication while maintaining network security restrictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies packet header parameters (specifically port numbers) to enable communication through restricted network nodes. By changing the port parameter in packet headers from non-standardized to standardized ports, the system allows packets to pass through firewalls while maintaining the original communication intent through header modification and translation.
2Ease of operation
If network nodes restrict data communication by blocking nonstandardized ports, then network control and security are improved, but secure connections for business users accessing company networks are prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication process into distinct stages: packet creation at the user terminal, header modification at the gateway, and packet forwarding through the network node. By segmenting the system and placing the header modification function at the gateway, the solution allows secure connections while maintaining network node control and restriction policies.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway serves as an intermediary that translates between non-standardized ports used by business applications and standardized ports required by network restrictions. This mediation enables secure connections for business users while preserving the network node's ability to enforce control policies on standardized ports only.
3Adaptability or versatility
If headers are modified to adapt to different protocols, then compatibility with restricted network protocols is improved, but data communication authenticity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway acts as a trusted intermediary that performs header modification. Since the gateway is a controlled, authenticated device in the network architecture, header modifications performed at the gateway maintain data authenticity while achieving protocol compatibility. The gateway's trusted position ensures that modifications are intentional and secure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the gateway receives packets, modifies headers based on protocol requirements, and forwards them appropriately. The network node and gateway exchange information about packet routing and protocol requirements, ensuring that header modifications maintain data integrity and authenticity while achieving compatibility with restricted protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for communicating data. A user terminal is connected to a first data communication network, and a first network node is connected to the first and a second data communication network. A gateway is connected to the second and a third data communication network. The user terminal packetizes data according to protocols corresponding to a protocol stack. The user terminal further transmits packetized data to the gateway via the first network node and via the first and second data communication networks and determines whether the packetized data arrived at the gateway. The user terminal also modifies the packetized data by replacing at least a part of a first header corresponding to a specific protocol of the protocol stack with a replacement. When the gateway receives the packetized data it depacketizes the data and generates, based upon replacement information, a specific payload according to a predefined protocol.