Presence-Based Firewall Pinhole Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems lack the ability to automatically configure firewalls or access points to allow remote access to private networks, making it difficult for users to access network resources from external locations while maintaining security and consistency of network configurations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize presence information to manage network access by updating presence information for end users and automatically configuring access points to allow communications through firewalls, enabling pinhole configurations to follow users across endpoints, ensuring secure and consistent access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual firewall configuration is used to allow remote access, then security control is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex manual configuration steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automatic configuration of firewall pinholes through presence information. When a user logs into a network endpoint, the access point automatically detects the presence information and configures the necessary pinholes without requiring manual intervention, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining security control
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration actions by pre-establishing presence information templates and access rules before remote access is needed. When a user needs remote access, the system already has the necessary configuration patterns ready to automatically apply, eliminating complex manual configuration steps
2Ease of operation
If automatic pinhole configuration is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but reliability worsens due to potential security vulnerabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the access point continuously monitors presence information and automatically adjusts pinhole configurations based on detected user presence. This closed-loop approach ensures that automatic configuration only occurs when proper presence information is verified, maintaining security while enabling automation
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces presence information as an intermediary layer between the automatic configuration mechanism and the firewall pinholes. This intermediary validates and mediates the configuration process, ensuring that automatic pinhole creation follows predefined security policies and only occurs when appropriate presence conditions are met
3Adaptability or versatility
If presence information is maintained and updated, then adaptability improves for remote access, but device complexity increases due to presence management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements universal presence information structures that serve multiple functions: user identification, location tracking, and access authorization. This multi-functional approach allows the same presence information to be used across different remote access scenarios and network endpoints, improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic presence information that automatically updates as users move between endpoints or change access states. This dynamic approach allows the network to automatically adapt to changing remote access scenarios without requiring complex manual reconfiguration, as the presence information continuously reflects current user states
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, a method using presence information to manage network access includes maintaining presence information for an end user. When a remote access request is received from the end user at a remote endpoint, the presence information for the end user is updated to identify the presence of the end user at one or more network endpoints associated with a private network. An access point to the private network is then automatically configured to allow any communications addressed to an IP address associated with the one or more network endpoints to pass through the access point.