Relay Server Dynamic VPN Routing Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional VPN systems are rigid and inflexible, making it difficult to build and maintain a virtual network, especially when changes occur in network configurations or settings, and they lack the ability to selectively use only specific apparatuses for communication.

Innovation Solution

A relay communication system that allows the relay server to dynamically select routing apparatuses from other communication devices, enabling the creation of a VPN that can adapt to changes in network status by exchanging and updating address filter information, and allowing for selective sharing of resources and handling of changes without disrupting the network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional VPN systems are used, then communication between terminals connected to different LANs is enabled, but the system becomes rigid and difficult to expand or adapt to changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to network changesVSAvoidsystem rigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables dynamic selection of routing apparatuses from among relay servers and client terminals. The relay server can flexibly choose which apparatuses to include in the VPN based on current network conditions, allowing the VPN configuration to adapt dynamically rather than being fixed beforehand.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention divides the network into selectable segments by allowing the relay server to choose specific routing apparatuses from the available pool. This segmentation enables partial deployment and flexible configuration without requiring all apparatuses to be included in the VPN simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If all communication apparatuses are included in the VPN, then network coverage is maximized, but it becomes difficult to selectively share resources with specific apparatuses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselective resource sharingVSAvoidnumber of routing apparatuses
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows different parts of the network to have different qualities of connection. The relay server can select specific routing apparatuses for inclusion in the VPN based on local requirements, enabling selective resource sharing with only the necessary apparatuses rather than treating all apparatuses uniformly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If the VPN configuration is established beforehand, then initial setup is straightforward, but it becomes impossible to adapt when network configuration changes occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse to configuration changesVSAvoidinitial setup simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static pre-established VPN configurations to dynamic configurations where the relay server can adaptively select routing apparatuses in response to network changes. This allows the VPN to evolve and adjust without requiring complete reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The relay server receives feedback about network status changes and uses this information to adjust the VPN configuration accordingly. When network configuration changes occur, the relay server can detect these changes and update the VPN settings to maintain proper connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2642701B1Relay server and relay communication system
Publication Date: 2020.12.02 MURATA MASCH LTD
  • EP2642701B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2642701B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2642701B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A relay server includes a VPN group information storage part, an address filter information storage part, and a communication control part. The VPN group information storage part stores routing session information indicating identification information of routing apparatuses that form a VPN group and the routing apparatuses that are connected to one another. The address filter information storage part stores address filter information, which indicates a partner that the routing apparatus is able to designate as a packet destination, in association with identification information of said routing apparatus. The communication control part performs a control for, when a VPN is started in the VPN group, updating a content stored in the address filter information storage part based on the address filter information received from the routing apparatus, and establishing a routing session based on the routing session information.