RADIUS Proxy Loop Detection via Host Identifier

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

RADIUS networks experience message loops due to the lack of loop detection mechanisms, leading to resource wastage and inefficiency, unlike protocols like Diameter which have built-in loop prevention features.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a RADIUS proxy node with a RADIUS loop mitigator that checks for a host identifier attribute in RADIUS signaling messages and performs mitigation actions, such as discarding the message or inserting identifiers, to prevent loops.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If RADIUS proxy node implements loop detection by checking host identifier attribute, then message loop detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemessage loop detection capabilityVSAvoidproxy node complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the RADIUS proxy node insert its own host identifier into the Accounting-Request message before forwarding it to the RADIUS server. This pre-modification enables subsequent loop detection without requiring complex detection mechanisms, as the identifier is already in place for verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by having the proxy node check whether the Accounting-Response message contains its own host identifier that was previously inserted. This feedback mechanism allows the node to detect loops by comparing the response against the expected identifier, providing a simple yet effective detection approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of energy

If RADIUS proxy node inserts host identifier and checks for loops, then network resource wastage is reduced, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork resource wastageVSAvoidmessage processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the skipping principle by enabling the proxy node to immediately discard the Accounting-Response message if its own host identifier is detected, without performing any further processing. This rapid detection and termination of looped messages prevents network resource wastage while minimizing processing time, as the check occurs early in the message handling process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

3Manufacturing precision

If RADIUS proxy node performs loop mitigation actions, then message routing accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemessage routing accuracyVSAvoidproxy node complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the extraction principle by isolating the loop detection and mitigation functionality into a dedicated RADIUS loop mitigator component within the proxy node. This extraction allows the complex routing accuracy requirements to be handled by a specialized module rather than the entire proxy system, making the complexity management more manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS9923984B2Methods, systems, and computer readable media for remote authentication dial in user service (RADIUS) message loop detection and mitigation
Publication Date: 2018.03.20 ORACLE INT CORP
  • US9923984B2 patent drawing
  • US9923984B2 patent drawing
  • US9923984B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods, systems, and computer readable media for remote authentication dial in user service (RADIUS) message loop detection and mitigation are disclosed. One method includes receiving, at a RADIUS proxy node, a RADIUS signaling message. The method further includes determining whether the RADIUS signaling message includes an attribute with a host identifier corresponding to the RADIUS proxy node. In response to determining that the RADIUS signaling message includes the attribute that includes the host identifier corresponding to the RADIUS proxy node, performing a RADIUS loop mitigation action for the RADIUS signaling message.