Mesh Network VPN Auto-Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for establishing a virtual private network (VPN) connection require users to manually install software and configure settings, which is cumbersome and prone to errors.

Innovation Solution

A network device establishes a mesh network with a main routing device, receiving a VPN configuration from the main routing device and automatically establishing a VPN connection when not connected to the Internet through the main routing device, eliminating the need for manual configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users manually install VPN software or manually configure VPN settings on routers, then VPN connection can be established, but the process becomes cumbersome and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveVPN configuration processVSAvoidTime required for VPN setup

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The network device automatically performs VPN configuration tasks without requiring manual user intervention. The device autonomously establishes mesh network connections, receives VPN configurations from main routing devices, and configures VPN parameters, eliminating the need for users to manually install software or configure settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The VPN configuration is pre-established on the main routing device before the network device needs to connect. The main routing device stores VPN parameters and automatically transmits them to network devices when needed, so users don't need to perform configuration steps at the time of connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If VPN configuration is manually set up on each network device, then connection can be established, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveVPN connection stabilityVSAvoidConfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The VPN configuration functionality is merged into the mesh network management system. The main routing device serves as a central configuration repository that automatically distributes VPN parameters to all network devices in the mesh network, eliminating the need for separate manual configuration on each device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If automatic VPN establishment is implemented, then user convenience is improved, but automation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveVPN connection processVSAvoidAutomatic configuration capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The main routing device acts as an intermediary that manages VPN configurations for the entire mesh network. It automatically transmits VPN parameters to network devices and coordinates connection establishment, providing automation without requiring complex local automation logic on each individual device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20240388635A1Method for establishing virtual private network connection and network device

Publication Date: 2024.11.21 ASUSTEK COMPUTER INC

AI summary

A method for establishing a virtual private network (VPN) connection and a network device are disclosed. The method includes the following steps. The network device establishes a connection with a main routing device to construct a mesh network. The network device is a sub-routing device of the mesh network. The network device receives a VPN configuration from the main routing device. The main routing device is a VPN server corresponding to the VPN configuration. The network device determines whether to be connected to Internet through the main routing device. In response to not being connected to the Internet through the main routing device, the network device determines to establish a VPN connection with the main routing device according to the VPN configuration.