Multi-Connection Access Point for Multi-Controller Network Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network management systems lack the ability to efficiently manage multiple access points with different controllers while maintaining security and separation between distinct networks, especially across air gaps, which is crucial for isolating and encrypting data packets effectively.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multi-connection access point system that allows multiple controllers to manage the same access points by utilizing distinct ESSIDs, air gaps, and different encryption methods to separate and secure data packets, enabling each controller to manage different types of data without interfering with other controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single controller manages all access points, then network management is simplified, but security and separation between distinct networks cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The access point is divided into multiple virtual access points, each associated with a different controller. This segmentation allows multiple controllers to manage different portions of the access point's functionality, enabling both simplified individual management and maintained security separation between networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The access point is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting connections to multiple controllers simultaneously. It can handle different types of data traffic, apply different encryption methods, and maintain separation between networks while providing a unified physical device that serves multiple management purposes.
2Reliability
If multiple controllers manage the same access point, then security and network separation are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access point acts as an intermediary between multiple controllers and the network. It receives management instructions from different controllers, processes them locally, and executes appropriate actions. This intermediary role simplifies the overall system by providing a centralized coordination point that handles the complexity of multi-controller management.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple virtual access points are nested within a single physical access point device. Each virtual access point operates semi-independently with its own controller association, but they share the physical hardware resources. This nesting structure allows complex multi-controller functionality to be contained within a single manageable device.
3Reliability
If data packets are encrypted with different methods for different networks, then security is enhanced, but decryption capability becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Different encryption methods are applied to different data packets based on their destination network. The access point identifies the target network and applies the appropriate encryption method locally. Each controller is equipped with the specific decryption capability needed for its associated network, allowing secure transmission without requiring universal decryption capability across all controllers.
Data Source
AI summary
Example implementations relate to multi-connection access points. For example, an access point can include instructions to: establish a first connection to a first controller, wherein the access point receives configuration data from the first controller to generate a first virtual access point with the first controller; and establish a second connection to a second controller, wherein the access point receives configuration data from the second controller to generate a second virtual access point with the second controller.