Paired Network Devices Automatic Virtual Secure Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Home and small business users face challenges in securely connecting two separate networks over the Internet, often lacking the resources for full-fledged VPN systems and relying on non-technical individuals for informal assistance, which can be complicated by software-based solutions that limit remote access to specific servers and exclude peripheral resources.
Innovation Solution
The development of network devices that can automatically establish a virtual secure connection, allowing seamless tunneling of traffic between separate networks, enabling remote access to local resources without requiring extensive user configuration or specific VPN infrastructure, and supporting diverse hardware and software environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If software-based VPN solutions are used, then secure network connection is achieved, but system complexity and difficulty of operation increase for non-technical users
Solution Approach 1:
The network devices automatically perform VPN configuration, authentication, and connection establishment without requiring user intervention. The system self-configures security parameters, selects appropriate protocols, and maintains connections autonomously, transforming a complex manual process into an automatic self-service operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a centralized provisioning server that acts as an intermediary between network devices. This server automatically manages VPN configuration, generates security credentials, and coordinates connection establishment, thereby shielding non-technical users from complex configuration tasks while ensuring secure connections.
2Reliability
If full-fledged VPN systems are deployed, then secure remote access is achieved, but capital investment and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the VPN functionality into distributed components embedded in standard network devices rather than requiring a centralized VPN server. Each network device independently performs encryption, authentication, and tunneling functions, eliminating the need for expensive dedicated VPN infrastructure while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables standard network devices to perform multiple functions including routing, switching, and VPN operations simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated VPN hardware, reducing infrastructure complexity and capital investment while providing secure remote access.
3Reliability
If remote access is limited to specific servers, then system security is maintained, but access to peripheral resources such as printers and storage is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends VPN connectivity from traditional server-only access to a multidimensional network-wide access model. The virtual tunnel created by the network devices encompasses entire networks including peripherals, allowing secure access to printers, storage devices, and other resources while maintaining security boundaries through the encrypted tunnel.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provide techniques and example network devices that can automatically establish a virtual secure connection, e.g., VPN Tunnel, between separate networks including home and/or business networks without requiring additional VPN type infrastructure. The network devices described herein can be configured over the Internet, and do not require that the purchaser or an end user perform extensive configuration in order to use them. The network devices as described herein can tunnel all traffic between the separate networks to which the devices are paired as though a remote connected device is a local device on the local network. Remote computer or other network-enabled devices associated with the remote connected device can use and be accessible to computer or other network-enabled resources on the local network as though the separate networks are a single contiguous network without regard to the operating environment of the respective networks or devices thereon.