Communication Control Apparatus for Multi-Network MFP Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
In government and public offices, and during company mergers, managing multiple networks for different levels of confidential information leads to increased costs and space requirements due to the need for separate image forming apparatuses, such as multifunction peripherals (MFPs), which can result in misrouting and security issues when processing packets across these networks.
Innovation Solution
A network communication system with a communication control apparatus that includes multiple communication controllers, each with memory for operation determination information and circuitry to process transmission-and-reception information, allowing controlled communication between MFPs and network apparatuses across multiple networks, using protocols like TCP/IP and NAPT to prevent misrouting and enhance security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple image forming apparatuses are set up for each network, then network security and isolation are maintained, but management cost increases and floor space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple image forming apparatuses into a single shared apparatus by implementing multiple communication controllers within one device. Each communication controller is assigned to a specific network and handles communication for that network, allowing the single apparatus to serve multiple networks simultaneously while maintaining network isolation and security.
Solution Approach 2:
The image forming apparatus is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating multiple communication controllers, each capable of handling communication with different networks. This universal design allows one apparatus to perform the functions of multiple separate apparatuses, reducing the total number of devices needed while maintaining security boundaries between networks.
2Reliability
If multiple image forming apparatuses are set up for each network, then network isolation is maintained, but the number of apparatuses increases occupying more floor space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple image forming apparatuses that would traditionally occupy separate floor spaces into a single integrated device. By housing multiple communication controllers within one physical apparatus, the system maintains network isolation while reducing the total floor space required from multiple separate devices to one shared device.
3Device complexity
If one image forming apparatus connects to multiple networks, then the number of apparatuses is reduced, but packet routing accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication control function into multiple independent communication controllers, each dedicated to a specific network. This segmentation ensures that packet routing for each network is handled by a specialized controller that understands the specific routing requirements of that network, maintaining high routing accuracy while allowing a single apparatus to serve multiple networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication controllers act as intermediaries between the image forming apparatus and different networks. Each controller mediates packet transmission between the apparatus and its associated network, ensuring accurate routing decisions are made based on the specific network's requirements while preventing unauthorized packet transfer between networks.
4Device complexity
If one image forming apparatus connects to multiple networks, then space is saved, but unauthorized packet transfer between networks may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication control functionality into separate communication controllers, each dedicated to a specific network. This segmentation creates isolated communication channels that prevent unauthorized packet transfer between networks, as each controller only processes packets for its assigned network, thereby maintaining security while allowing space consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication controllers serve as security intermediaries that mediate all packet transfers between the image forming apparatus and external networks. Each controller enforces network-specific security policies and prevents packets from one network from unauthorizedly accessing another network, thus eliminating the security risk of consolidated apparatuses.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication control apparatus for controlling communication between at least one communication apparatus and a network apparatus residing on one network among a plurality of networks includes multiple communication controllers respectively provided for the plurality of networks. Each communication controller includes a memory that stores operation determination information to be used for determining processing to be performed on transmission-and-reception information, the transmission-and-reception information to be transmitted or received by the communication controller with respect to other communication controller or the network apparatus on the network and circuitry that acquires the operation determination information in response to receiving the transmission-and-reception information, and performs operation corresponding to the acquired operation determination information on the transmission-and-reception information. Each of the multiple communication controllers controls communication between the communication apparatus and the network apparatus residing on the network by performing the operation corresponding to the acquired operation determination information.