Proxy Auto-Configuration Interception for Network Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional proxy servers fail to support client computers configured to access proxy settings on a home network when connected to foreign networks, requiring manual reconfiguration for internet access, and existing technologies like DHCP and NAT do not address web browser configuration conflicts.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that intercepts proxy auto-configuration requests on a foreign network, providing a replacement proxy auto-configuration file to client devices, allowing them to configure and access a proxy server on the foreign network, using a redirection and session state management driver to redirect traffic and simulate proxy server responses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a client computer is configured to access a specific proxy server on a home network, then it can access the Internet through that proxy server on the home network, but it cannot access the Internet when connected to a foreign network without manual reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic proxy configuration by allowing the client computer to autonomously obtain proxy settings from a configuration server on the foreign network. The web browser automatically contacts the configuration server, retrieves the appropriate proxy auto-configuration file, and applies the settings without user intervention, making the system self-configuring across different networks
Solution Approach 2:
The proxy configuration is made dynamic rather than static. Instead of hardcoding proxy settings for a specific home network, the system dynamically retrieves and applies proxy configurations based on the current network environment. The web browser automatically adapts to different networks by contacting configuration servers and obtaining appropriate proxy settings in real-time
2Reliability
If conventional proxy servers are used, then they provide security and access control on the home network, but they fail to support client computers when connected to foreign networks
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration server is designed to provide universal proxy configuration services across multiple network environments. Instead of being tied to a specific home network, the configuration server on the foreign network can serve any client computer that connects to it, providing the same proxy configuration functionality regardless of the network location or client's home network affiliation
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration server acts as an intermediary between the foreign network and the client computer's web browser. It mediates the proxy configuration process by receiving requests from the web browser, providing the appropriate proxy auto-configuration file, and enabling the client to automatically configure itself to use the foreign network's proxy server without manual intervention
3Ease of operation
If transparent proxy servers are used, then they can intercept packets from unconfigured clients, but they cannot satisfy clients attempting to communicate with a configuration server
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of the transparent proxy server intercepting and blocking configuration server communications, the system inverts the approach by having the configuration server proactively respond to client requests. The web browser is configured to contact the configuration server directly, and the configuration server provides the proxy settings, ensuring that configuration communication is not blocked by transparent proxy interception
Data Source
AI summary
A user device disposed on a local area network (LAN) requests a proxy auto-configuration file from a first proxy server. Where the first proxy server is not present on the LAN, a second proxy server on the LAN intercepts the request and responds to it by causing a replacement proxy auto-configuration file to be sent to the user device. The user device utilizes the replacement proxy auto-configuration file to configure itself to utilize the second proxy server on the LAN.