Home Control Network Key Virtual Private Network Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote-controllable devices in properties face challenges in data communication due to the need for separate connections and configurations, which can be costly and limited in usage, especially when devices from different suppliers are not compatible and require specific data transfer protocols, limiting remote access and control across multiple properties.

Innovation Solution

A method is established for a secure two-way data transfer connection using a home control network device and key, which utilizes existing internet connections within properties to create a virtual private network (VPN) without altering existing network configurations, allowing devices to communicate securely over the internet, even through firewalls and changing port configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate additional connection is provided for remote control, then remote access capability is improved, but connection cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote access capabilityVSAvoidconnection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the existing internet connection universal by implementing a VPN gateway that allows multiple different remote control devices (mobile phones, tablets, PCs) to access the home network through a single existing internet connection, eliminating the need for separate dedicated connections for each device or purpose

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The VPN gateway acts as an intermediary device that bridges the external internet connection and the home intranet, allowing secure remote access without requiring direct connections between external devices and home devices. The gateway translates and manages all connection requests through a single interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate connections are provided for different devices, then device compatibility is improved, but data transfer efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoiddata transfer efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple potential connection paths into a single VPN-based communication channel. Instead of establishing separate direct connections for each device pair, all remote devices connect through the VPN gateway, consolidating data transfer through an optimized single pathway that improves overall efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of energy

If existing internet connection is used for remote control, then connection cost is reduced, but security risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection costVSAvoidsecurity risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potential security risk of using existing internet connections into a benefit by implementing encrypted VPN tunnels. The same internet connection that could expose the network is transformed into a secure channel through cryptographic protection, making the existing connection both cost-effective and secure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Adaptability or versatility

If intranet configuration is altered for remote access, then remote connectivity is improved, but network stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote connectivityVSAvoidnetwork stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network into two independent parts: the existing stable intranet and the new VPN overlay network. The VPN gateway creates a separate virtual network layer that operates independently without altering the original intranet configuration, thus maintaining network stability while enabling remote connectivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9900178B2Device arrangement and method for implementing a data transfer network used in remote control of properties

Publication Date: 2018.02.20 TOSIBOX

AI summary

In a remote control method, a virtual private network is established between a home control network key and a home control network device of the remote control system in a property. In order to establish the virtual private network both the home control network key and device determine their network paths to the Internet from the data transfer network to which they are connected. The determined network paths are stored in a home control network server on the Internet. When it is desired to form a virtual private network, the home control network server supplies the stored network paths to the home control network key and the home control network device. By utilizing the received network paths the home control network key and the home control network device start establishing a virtual private network between them with several known by them establishing methods of a data transfer connection.