Relay Server Automated VPN Access Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional VPN relay server configurations require manual settings to restrict access between devices, leading to security vulnerabilities due to user error and increased burden, as settings need to be adjusted each time the VPN is constructed.

Innovation Solution

A relay server with an address filter information storage unit, communication setting information storage unit, and controller that stores initial and current communication settings, allowing only permitted devices to communicate by establishing a routing session based on initial settings, thereby automating the restriction of access and reducing the need for manual adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual settings are performed to restrict access between devices after VPN construction, then security control is achieved, but user burden increases and security vulnerabilities may occur due to user error or forgotten settings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity controlVSAvoiduser burden
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically extracting routing target addresses and establishing communication settings during VPN construction before actual communication begins. The relay server proactively configures address filters and communication permissions based on the VPN topology, eliminating the need for users to manually perform these settings afterward.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The relay server performs self-service by automatically managing its own communication settings and address filters. The system extracts routing target addresses from the VPN configuration and autonomously establishes permission settings, eliminating dependence on manual user configuration and reducing operational errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If all registered devices are permitted to communicate with each other in VPN, then communication flexibility is improved, but security risks increase due to unintended access

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication flexibilityVSAvoidsecurity risks
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies local quality by implementing differentiated communication permissions for different devices. Instead of uniform permission settings, the relay server extracts specific routing target addresses and applies selective filtering, allowing each device to have customized access rights based on its role and requirements in the VPN network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The relay server acts as an intermediary that mediates communication between devices. It receives packets, checks them against the address filter, and selectively forwards or blocks them. This intermediary function enables fine-grained security control while maintaining communication flexibility for authorized devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If manual access restriction settings are required each time VPN is constructed, then security control is achieved, but setup time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity controlVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically configuring address filters and communication permissions during the VPN construction phase. The relay server extracts routing target addresses from the VPN configuration data and establishes security settings before any actual communication occurs, eliminating post-setup configuration steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical configuration operations with automated electronic processes. The relay server automatically parses VPN configuration, extracts routing target addresses, and generates address filters through electronic processing, substituting the manual mechanical process of setting each permission individually.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2600568B1Relay server and relay communication system
Publication Date: 2014.05.14 MURATA MASCH LTD
  • EP2600568B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2600568B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2600568B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A relay server stores a first routing target address that is an address to which the own relay server can transfer a packet and a second routing target address to which another relay server located in another LAN can transfer a packet. The relay server stores an initial communication setting and a current communication setting. The relay server transmits only the first routing target address that is permitted in the initial communication setting to another relay server and receives the second routing target address from another relay server, to establish a routing session with another relay server. The relay server registers the initial communication setting as the current communication setting. The relay server performs routing control of the packet based on pieces of address filter information on the own relay server and another relay server.