SDN Controller Profile Switching for Secure Telnet Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing software-defined network (SDN) technologies require cumbersome and error-prone processes to temporarily enable Telnet communications for authorized operators, disrupting network security and usability.
Innovation Solution
A networking device with a profile selection input that allows switching between predefined network operation profiles, enabling or disabling Telnet communications without disrupting other network traffic, using a secondary communication channel such as a contact input, allowing for seamless transitions between secure and accessible modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If Telnet communications are enabled for authorized operators, then usability is improved, but network security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The networking device dynamically switches between a secure network operation profile and an accessible network operation profile based on received commands. The secure profile disables Telnet communications to maintain security, while the accessible profile enables Telnet for authorized operators. This dynamic switching allows the system to adapt its security posture based on operational requirements rather than being static.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the networking device by switching between different network operation profiles. Each profile contains specific configuration parameters that control Telnet accessibility and other network settings. By changing which profile is active, the system can enable or disable Telnet communications as needed without permanently altering the device configuration.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If Telnet communications are disabled for security, then network security is improved, but usability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static security configuration to a dynamic one where the networking device can switch between secure and accessible modes. The secure network operation profile maintains strong security by disabling Telnet, while the accessible profile temporarily enables it for authorized operators. This dynamic capability ensures both security and usability are maintained at appropriate times.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter changes through profile switching to resolve the contradiction. The secure network operation profile has parameters that disable Telnet for security, while the accessible profile has parameters that enable Telnet. By changing which profile is active based on received commands, the system can temporarily adjust parameters to improve usability without permanently compromising security.
3Ease of operation
If manual configuration changes are made to enable Telnet, then usability is improved, but error-proneness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service by automatically switching between network operation profiles in response to received commands. Instead of requiring manual configuration changes by operators, the networking device autonomously transitions between secure and accessible profiles based on simple command inputs. This eliminates the need for operators to manually configure complex network settings, thereby reducing human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The network operation profiles act as intermediaries that encapsulate complex configuration settings. Rather than requiring operators to manually adjust multiple individual parameters, the system uses pre-defined profiles as intermediaries that contain complete configuration sets. Switching between these profile intermediaries enables Telnet access without requiring operators to understand or manually configure the underlying complex network parameters.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple network operation profiles are maintained, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the network configuration into distinct, manageable network operation profiles. Each profile represents a self-contained configuration set for specific operational scenarios (e.g., secure mode, accessible mode). This segmentation allows the device to maintain multiple configurations without creating a monolithic complex system, as each profile can be independently managed and switched between.
Data Source
AI summary
A software-defined network controller (SDN controller) defines a first network flow to be selectively implemented by a networking device according to a first network operation profile. The SDN controller defines a second network flow to be selectively implemented by the networking device according to a second network operation profile. The first and second network operation profiles are stored within a memory of the networking device to be selectively implemented based on the status of a profile selection input on the networking device. The profile selection input is a contact input in some embodiments. When the contact input is de-asserted, the networking device implements the first network flow according to the first network operation profile. When the contact input is asserted, the networking device implements the second network flow according to the second network operation profile.