Network Path Validation via Server-Client Port Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for network path validation, such as Telnet and PortQry, are limited in their ability to accurately determine if a TCP or UDP port is blocked and cannot handle intermediate proxy servers, requiring manual and laborious setups for each port verification, and are not suitable for UDP protocols.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automated network path validation using a client and server device configuration that allows for sequenced and concurrent data transmission over TCP or UDP ports, with a signaling algorithm to identify failure conditions and provide detailed failure analysis, enabling precise identification of network restrictions and potential resolutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Telnet protocol is used to test TCP port blocking, then connection status can be determined, but the method cannot accurately identify blocked ports when intermediate proxy servers are present and provides false positives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary validation mechanism where the server device actively participates in confirming port accessibility. Instead of relying solely on client-side Telnet attempts that can be misled by proxy servers, the server device receives validation requests and sends back confirmation responses, creating a trusted intermediary verification layer that distinguishes direct connections from proxied connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the server device sends validation responses back to the client device. This feedback loop allows the client to distinguish between successful direct connections, blocked ports, and connections intercepted by proxy servers. The server's active participation in the validation process provides authoritative feedback that resolves ambiguities in connection status detection.
2Measurement precision
If manual port verification methods are used, then individual port status can be checked, but the process becomes laborious and time-consuming for multiple ports
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual port verification operations into a single automated validation process. The client device can initiate validation for multiple ports simultaneously, and the server device processes these validation requests in sequence or parallel, consolidating what would otherwise require multiple manual Telnet attempts into one unified operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the server device pre-open and prepare subsequent ports in anticipation of validation requests. This allows the validation process to proceed more efficiently without requiring manual intervention for each port, as the server is already prepared to receive and respond to validation requests for multiple ports.
3Adaptability or versatility
If Telnet connection method is used, then TCP port status can be tested, but the method cannot be applied to UDP protocols and requires listening applications on target ports
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal validation mechanism that works across both TCP and UDP protocols. The server device's validation process is protocol-agnostic, allowing the same validation request format to be used for both TCP and UDP ports. This eliminates the need for separate validation approaches for different protocols while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The server device acts as an intermediary that handles protocol-specific details internally while presenting a unified validation interface to the client. Whether validating TCP or UDP ports, the client uses the same simple validation request format, and the server adapts its response based on the protocol type, shielding the client from protocol complexity.
4Reliability
If comprehensive network path validation is performed involving multiple networks, then complete messaging cycle can be tested, but the complexity of tracking failure modes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The validation system implements detailed feedback mechanisms where the server device provides information about the validation result and the path taken. This feedback includes identification of which network segments were traversed and where failures occurred, automatically tracking failure modes without requiring manual analysis of complex multi-network paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network validation process into distinct phases and components that can be independently analyzed. By breaking down the complete messaging cycle into discrete validation steps (outbound path, inbound path, protocol-specific operations), the system can identify and report failures at specific segments without overwhelming complexity, allowing targeted troubleshooting of individual network segments.
Data Source
AI summary
In a server device, a method for validating a network path in a network includes receiving a listing of ports from a client device, each port in the listing of ports associated with the server device and receiving a request message from the client device via a first identified port in the listing of ports. The method includes, in response to receiving the request message, opening a subsequent identified port in the listing of ports for communication with the client device and, following opening of the subsequent identified port in the listing of ports, transmitting a response message to the client device via the first identified port.