Pass-Through VPN Client Routing for Private Application Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing VPN clients face challenges in securely accessing private resources across diverse network environments, including network compatibility, latency, performance, security, scalability, resilience, and policy management, with increased risks of unauthorized access and compliance violations.
Innovation Solution
A VPN client is used as a router, functioning as a pass-through agent to establish bidirectional connections, supporting Network Address Translation (NAT) and IP forwarding, and facilitating seamless access to private applications through a VPN client deployed in docker containers, utilizing a secure service edge (SSE) for policy enforcement and secure routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a VPN client is deployed to enable secure remote access to private resources, then security and accessibility are improved, but network compatibility issues and increased complexity arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a VPN client that functions as an intermediary application connector between remote users and private resources. This connector establishes bidirectional connections and acts as a pass-through agent, enabling secure access while handling network compatibility requirements centrally rather than at each endpoint.
Solution Approach 2:
The VPN client is designed with multi-functional capabilities including NAT traversal, IP forwarding, and bidirectional connection establishment. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single universal connector, the system achieves broad network compatibility without requiring separate solutions for each network scenario.
2Ease of operation
If a VPN client acts as a pass-through agent with bidirectional connections, then access to private applications is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the VPN client functionality into distinct modular components: bidirectional connection establishment, NAT traversal mechanisms, IP forwarding capabilities, and pass-through agent functions. This segmentation allows each component to be independently managed and optimized, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If Network Address Translation (NAT) and IP forwarding are supported, then network compatibility is improved, but security risks and policy management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the VPN client continuously monitors connection status, NAT translation effectiveness, and security policy compliance. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of security measures and automatic detection of potential unauthorized access attempts, maintaining security while supporting complex network address translation scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed wherein a device registers with a Secure Service Edge (SSE) upon VPN client startup to receive a policy configuring the client as a forwarding agent. The policy designates a Domain Name System (DNS) and data packet route. A tunnel is established between an Application Connector (ACA) agent and an Application Connector Gateway (ACG). Upon receiving a data packet via the ACG containing a request with an application destination, the device checks for an existing flow at the ACG. If none exists, the device identifies the ACA in the Application Connector Gateway Group (ACAG), replacing the packet's IP address with the ACA's. The device routes the packet through the tunnel to the identified ACA, which directs it to the application. This method optimizes routing efficiency and ensures seamless connectivity between devices and applications.