Network Analysis Tool Bypassing Firewalls via TCP Packet Modification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for monitoring wireless network performance are hindered by firewalls and other barriers, making it difficult to determine network nodes and response times within a network path.
Innovation Solution
Intercepting and modifying TCP packets within an established connection with a modified IP layer, including adjusting the TTL value, to bypass firewalls and determine network nodes and response times without requiring a new connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ping commands are sent to determine network nodes, then network path information can be obtained, but firewalls and barriers block the commands rendering the functionality useless
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses TCP packets as an intermediary to carry network monitoring functionality. Instead of using standalone ping commands that are blocked by firewalls, the invention embeds monitoring capabilities within existing TCP data packets that are already permitted by firewall rules, allowing network node detection to proceed through legitimate communication channels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies packet parameters (such as TTL values, IP addresses, and packet contents) to enable network path analysis. By dynamically changing these parameters in intercepted TCP packets, the system can trace network nodes and measure response times without requiring separate diagnostic protocols that would be blocked
2Productivity
If new connections are established for network monitoring, then network path can be analyzed, but existing connections cannot be utilized and monitoring is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes TCP packets serve multiple functions simultaneously: they carry both data transmission and network monitoring capabilities. By embedding monitoring functionality within existing data packets, the system eliminates the need for separate monitoring connections, allowing a single TCP connection to serve both communication and diagnostic purposes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges network monitoring operations with existing TCP data transmission. Instead of separating monitoring into independent operations that require additional connections, the invention combines path analysis, node detection, and performance measurement within the same packet stream already established for data communication
3Ease of operation
If firewalls are bypassed for network monitoring, then network nodes can be detected, but traditional methods are blocked and ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses legitimately permitted TCP packets as intermediaries to bypass firewall restrictions. Rather than attempting to send blocked monitoring commands directly through firewalls, the system embeds monitoring functionality within TCP packets that are already authorized by firewall rules for data transmission, effectively using the data channel as a mediator to overcome security barriers
Data Source
AI summary
A transmitted transport communication protocol (TCP) packet in an established TCP connection is intercepted and resent with a modified IP layer to determine network nodes within a network path. No new connection is required, and the data may be transmitted to its intended location as part of the existing connection, bypassing firewalls and other obstacles commonly affecting ping commands. The change to the IP layer may include a modified TTL value. Address location and response time may be determined for each node in a network path.