Mesh Network Access Control via Endpoint Policy Enforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mesh networks, implementing access control policies is inflexible and resource-intensive, as endpoints rely on a central server to communicate changes, leading to delays and inefficient resource usage.
Innovation Solution
Endpoints in the mesh network determine and implement access policies independently using client applications, processing internet protocol packets based on determined policies without needing to communicate with a central server, allowing real-time policy changes and efficient resource management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If endpoints rely on a central server to communicate access policy changes, then access control can be implemented, but delays occur and resource usage becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
Each endpoint device independently determines and implements access policies without requiring communication with a central server. The first device autonomously processes IP packets by determining the access policy, identifying the packet source, and applying the policy locally, thereby eliminating delays associated with centralized communication and enabling immediate policy enforcement.
2Reliability
If endpoints rely on a central server to communicate access policy changes, then access control can be implemented, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates the need for continuous communication with a central server by enabling each endpoint to independently determine and enforce access policies. The first device uses its own processing capabilities to evaluate IP packets against stored access policies, significantly reducing network traffic and energy consumption associated with centralized coordination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If endpoints independently determine and implement access policies, then flexibility and timeliness improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access control functionality is segmented into discrete, manageable operations: determining the access policy, identifying the IP packet source, and processing the packet according to the policy. This segmentation allows each endpoint to implement complex access control logic through a series of simple, well-defined steps, reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method including determining, by a first device in communication with a second device in a mesh network, an access policy associated with processing internet protocol (IP) packets received from the second device in the mesh network; determining, by the first device in the mesh network, that an IP packet is received from the second device over a meshnet connection between the first device and the second device; and processing, by the first device in the mesh network, the IP packet received from the second device in accordance with the access policy based at least in part on determining that the IP packet is received from the second device. Various other aspects are contemplated.