Network Node Coordinator for Heterogeneous Security Policy Specialization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network security is challenging, especially in heterogeneous networks with changing configurations, as existing solutions require manual and complex implementation of security policies across multiple nodes with different hardware and software characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A network node coordinator system that receives a global security policy, specialises it into node-specific local policies, and transmits these policies to each node, allowing for dynamic adaptation and consistent security enforcement across the network, regardless of node heterogeneity or configuration changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual security policy implementation is used across heterogeneous network nodes, then security can be enforced, but the complexity and difficulty of implementation increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a policy server as an intermediary component that mediates between the security administrator and network nodes. The policy server receives security policies, translates them into node-specific configurations, and distributes them automatically. This intermediary eliminates the need for manual configuration at each node, reducing implementation complexity while maintaining security enforcement across heterogeneous networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The policy server provides universal functionality by handling security policy management for all network nodes through a single interface. It can translate policies for different node types (routers, switches, firewalls) using a common protocol, making the system universally applicable across heterogeneous networks without requiring node-specific manual configuration procedures.
2Manufacturing precision
If security policies are customized for each network node, then security accuracy improves, but the time and effort required for policy deployment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-translating security policies into node-specific configurations before deployment. The policy server maintains a translation database with pre-defined translation rules for different node types, allowing it to quickly generate accurate node-specific policies without manual customization at deployment time. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces deployment time while maintaining policy accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The policy server applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting policy parameters based on node-specific attributes. It takes a generic security policy and automatically modifies parameters such as interface names, IP addresses, and protocol configurations to match each node's characteristics, ensuring accurate security enforcement without manual customization for each node.
3Adaptability or versatility
If network configuration changes are accommodated manually, then adaptability is maintained, but the operational burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The policy server implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring network configuration changes and automatically adjusting security policies in response. When configuration changes are detected on network nodes, the policy server receives notifications, re-translates the affected policies, and redistributes updated configurations. This automated feedback loop maintains adaptability to network changes while eliminating manual operational burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The system embraces dynamics by enabling security policies to automatically adapt to changing network configurations. The policy server continuously synchronizes with network nodes, detects configuration changes, and dynamically updates node-specific policy translations. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to network evolution without requiring manual reconfiguration operations.
4Measurement precision
If detailed knowledge of each node's configuration is required for policy implementation, then security precision is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The policy server acts as an intermediary that eliminates the need for operators to have detailed knowledge of each node's configuration. It automatically collects node configuration information, stores it in a translation database, and uses this information to generate precise node-specific security policies. The intermediary handles the complexity of configuration details while presenting a simplified interface to security administrators.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by enabling the policy server to automatically gather node configuration details and use them for policy translation. Nodes provide their configuration information to the policy server through standardized interfaces, and the server autonomously processes this information to generate accurate node-specific policies without requiring manual input from operators with specialized knowledge.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a network node coordinator system. Communication circuitry communicates, via a network, with one or more network nodes. Receive circuitry receives a global policy that describes a security policy to be applied across the network. Policy processing circuitry specialises the global policy and produces, for each of the one or more network nodes, an associated local policy specific to that network node. Transmit circuitry transmits, to each of the one or more network nodes, the associated local policy specific to that network node.