Network Location Discovery via Root Agent Subnet Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large computer networks, client computers roaming between locations require manual reconfiguration to connect to the correct scan server for antivirus operations, and there is no automatic way for mobile devices to determine their network location, posing challenges for security policy enforcement and network management.
Innovation Solution
Designating a scan client as a root agent within a subnet to provide subnet information to a scan server, which builds an intranet map and distributes it to clients, allowing them to automatically identify their network location and receive antivirus modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual reconfiguration is used for client computers roaming between locations, then connection to scan server can be established, but administrative burden and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling client computers to automatically discover their network location and configure connection to the appropriate scan server without administrator intervention. The system uses automatic discovery protocols where clients query network information to determine their current subnet and automatically connect to the correct scan server, eliminating manual reconfiguration tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring clients with discovery protocols and network location information before they roam. The system maintains updated network maps and scan server location data that clients can query automatically, so when a client moves between locations, the necessary connection information is already prepared and can be retrieved immediately without administrative setup.
2Reliability
If manual configuration is required for scan server connection, then connection can be established, but client computers cannot automatically identify their network location when scan server is down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where client computers continuously query network information and scan server availability status. When a client roams or the scan server goes down, the system provides feedback about the current network state, and clients use this information to automatically adjust their connection configuration or identify alternative scan servers, maintaining adaptability without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the client configuration system adaptive and flexible rather than static. Clients dynamically update their network location information and scan server connections based on real-time network conditions. When the scan server is down or the client moves to a different subnet, the system automatically reconfigures connections without requiring manual changes, enhancing both reliability and adaptability.
3Reliability
If multiple scan servers are deployed in large networks, then antivirus coverage can be improved, but complexity of network management and client reconfiguration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by organizing the network into distinct subnets with dedicated scan servers for each segment. Instead of managing a single complex network-wide system, the network is divided into manageable segments where each subnet has its own scan server. This segmentation reduces management complexity by localizing control while maintaining comprehensive antivirus coverage across the entire network through hierarchical organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses intermediary mechanisms in the form of automatic discovery protocols and network location services that mediate between clients and scan servers. These intermediaries handle the complexity of matching clients to appropriate scan servers based on their location, eliminating the need for administrators to manually manage multiple scan server connections. The intermediary layer abstracts the complexity while maintaining reliable coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
A scan client in a subnet of an intranet may be designated as a root agent to provide subnet information to a scan server in the intranet. The subnet information may include addresses of computers belonging to the subnet. The scan server may use subnet information collected from various root agents to build a map of the intranet. The intranet map may be forwarded from the scan server to the root agents, which in turn provide the intranet map to scan clients in their respective subnets. The root agents may also receive antivirus modules from the scan server for distribution to scan clients. A scan client may look for computers indicated in the intranet map to determine whether or not it is connected to the intranet.