Ingress-Port Packet Filtering for Secure Network Partitioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern computing networks lack effective partitioning capabilities that provide sufficient security, ease-of-use, and performance for managing network traffic and isolating ports based on both destination addresses and ingress ports.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for logically isolating ports in a communication network by directing packets based on both destination address and ingress port, using a filter table to determine authorized egress ports for packet transmission, which can be dynamically updated based on traffic data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modern computing networks share common networking devices among multiple users, then resource utilization and cost efficiency are improved, but network security and performance isolation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into multiple virtual networks using VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks). Each VLAN creates a separate broadcast domain and isolation boundary, allowing multiple users to share physical infrastructure while maintaining logical separation. This resolves the contradiction by enabling resource sharing at the physical level while providing security isolation at the logical level through virtual segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
A network managing device acts as an intermediary between users and shared networking devices. This device enforces partitioning policies, controls access to shared resources, and manages VLAN configurations. The intermediary provides centralized security management while allowing efficient resource sharing, resolving the trust issue in multi-user environments.
2Reliability
If network partitioning is implemented to improve security, then network security is improved, but device complexity and configuration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated partitioning management where the network managing device automatically configures and enforces VLAN assignments based on policy rules. This reduces manual configuration complexity while maintaining security, as the system self-manages the complex partitioning logic rather than requiring manual intervention for each configuration change.
Solution Approach 2:
The network managing device provides universal partitioning management capabilities that work across different network devices and scenarios. A single device handles VLAN creation, policy enforcement, and dynamic reconfiguration, simplifying the overall system architecture compared to requiring separate configuration mechanisms for each networking device.
3Ease of operation
If static partitioning rules are used to simplify management, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to dynamic traffic patterns deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The partitioning system transitions from static to dynamic VLAN assignments based on real-time traffic analysis. The network managing device monitors traffic patterns and automatically adjusts VLAN configurations to adapt to changing network conditions, user needs, and security requirements. This maintains ease of operation through automated management while providing adaptability to dynamic traffic patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where traffic data from the network is continuously monitored and fed back to the network managing device. This feedback loop enables automatic adjustment of partitioning rules based on actual network conditions, resolving the contradiction between simple management and dynamic adaptability through data-driven automated decision-making.
4Reliability
If comprehensive packet filtering based on ingress port and destination address is implemented, then network security and performance isolation are improved, but processing overhead and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
VLAN assignments and packet filtering rules are pre-configured in the network managing device before traffic flows occur. This preliminary setup of partitioning policies allows the system to enforce security rules efficiently without complex real-time decision-making, reducing processing overhead while maintaining security isolation through pre-established filtering criteria.
Data Source
AI summary
A networking device and system are described, among other things. An illustrative system is disclosed to include a switch programmed to route a received packet to an egress port based on a combination of a destination address associated with the received packet and an identification of an ingress port from which the packet was received by the switch.