Remote Management via Proxy Server Inversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote computer management systems are hindered by firewalls and proxy servers, which prevent remote access and require disruptive software updates, leading to inefficiencies and security issues.

Innovation Solution

A remote computer management system that initiates communication with a remote server using protocols allowed by firewalls and gateways, detects proxy servers to route communication effectively, and uses dynamically loaded libraries for updates, allowing seamless management and minimizing disruption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a proxy server is present at the network site to mediate and control access, then network security and access control are improved, but remote management communication is blocked because all communication must be routed to the proxy server port

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork securityVSAvoidremote management access

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the proxy server itself as an intermediary to enable remote management. The managed computer sends communication to the proxy server port, and the proxy server forwards this communication to the remote management server. This resolves the contradiction by utilizing the existing intermediary (proxy server) to facilitate the very communication it was thought to block.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having the remote management server initiate communication to the managed computer (which would be blocked by the proxy), the invention inverts the approach: the managed computer initiates communication to the proxy server port, which then forwards it to the remote management server. This reversal of communication direction allows the proxy to mediate the connection without blocking it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If traditional software update methods are used (uninstalling and reinstalling), then software functionality is updated, but system operation and user activities are disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware functionalityVSAvoidsystem operation continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent prepares update packages in advance and stores them on the remote management server. When an update is needed, the system retrieves and installs the pre-prepared update without requiring uninstallation or reinstallation of the main software. This preliminary preparation of update materials allows for seamless updates without disrupting system operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The software is divided into modular components that can be independently updated. Instead of updating the entire software package by uninstalling and reinstalling, only the specific components needing updates are retrieved and installed from the update package, allowing other parts of the system to continue operating normally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If comprehensive remote management capabilities are implemented, then management functionality is improved, but storage requirements and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanagement functionalityVSAvoidstorage requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The remote management server provides a universal platform that handles multiple management functions (software updates, configuration changes, monitoring, etc.) through a single system. Instead of requiring separate software components on each managed computer for each function, the server-based approach consolidates these capabilities, reducing local storage requirements while maintaining comprehensive functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of storing complete software packages and management tools on each managed computer, the system stores these resources centrally on the remote management server. When needed, specific components are copied or retrieved from the server to the managed computer temporarily, significantly reducing permanent storage requirements on client systems while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS7620707B1Remote computer management when a proxy server is present at the site of a managed computer

Publication Date: 2009.11.17 KASEYA

AI summary

The invention facilitates remote management of a computer via a network. Remote computer management in which communication between a managed computer and a remote computer management server is initiated by the managed computer is implemented so that the presence of a proxy server at the site at which the managed computer is located can be detected, and communication from the managed computer to the remote computer management server is routed to a communication port assigned for communication with the proxy server, with instructions to then send the communication to the remote computer management server.