Network Appliance for Configurable Virtual Private Network Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network solutions lack flexibility and scalability in creating customized on-demand computing networks that can adapt to user-specific topologies and resource requirements, often requiring manual configuration and limited flexibility in resource allocation and de-allocation.

Innovation Solution

A network appliance with virtual private network nodes that can be configured to connect to selectable end points through a web interface, utilizing a network implementation engine to dynamically provision and de-provision resources based on user specifications, enabling secure and anonymous communication by routing traffic through multiple relays and exit points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual configuration is used for network setup, then customization flexibility is improved, but device complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization flexibilityVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service through automated resource provisioning and de-provisioning based on user specifications. The network appliance automatically configures virtual private network nodes, allocates computing resources, and establishes connections without requiring manual configuration, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining customization flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring network templates and resource allocation patterns. When a user requests a network configuration, the system leverages pre-established templates to rapidly deploy customized networks, avoiding the need for complex step-by-step manual configuration while still achieving user-specific topologies

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If fixed resource allocation is used, then system stability is improved, but adaptability to varying user requirements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidresource allocation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic resource allocation where computing resources, network nodes, and bandwidth are automatically adjusted based on real-time user requirements and network conditions. This allows the system to maintain stability through controlled allocation while adapting to varying demands through automated scaling and reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters such as resource allocation levels, network topology configurations, and connection priorities based on user specifications and system state. This enables the system to maintain stable core functions while adapting resource distribution to meet different user requirements dynamically

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If on-demand network creation is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork deployment speedVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments network functionality into modular virtual private network nodes and independent resource pools. Each node can be independently provisioned, configured, and managed, allowing rapid on-demand network creation through composition of standardized modules rather than building complex monolithic systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs universal network appliance architecture that can perform multiple functions including routing, switching, security enforcement, and resource management. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized complex components for each network function, enabling faster deployment while managing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11996983B1Network appliance for providing configurable virtual private network connections

Publication Date: 2024.05.28 CYBER IP HLDG LLC

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided for a network appliance comprising a plurality of virtual private network nodes operating on the network appliance, each virtual private network node being configurable to connect to selectable virtual private network end points in an on-demand computing network. A web interface is configured to connect a client device to the network appliance and to identify a selected virtual private network end point, where the client device is connected to a particular one of the virtual private network nodes and the particular virtual private network node is connected to the selected virtual private network end point based on interactions with the web interface. The on-demand computing network includes a first provisioned resource assigned as a hub device; and one or more second provisioned resources assigned as rim devices, where a particular rim device comprises a bridge device, wherein the bridge device repackages data received from the on-demand computing network prior to forwarding that data such that the data received from the on-demand computing network appears to terminate at the bridge device to an observer viewing the data between the hub device and the bridge device.