Secure Portal Device for Home Network Remote Access

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are costly, difficult to set up and maintain, and incur performance overhead due to encryption requirements, leading to slower internet connectivity and difficulties in accessing local resources when used for remote access to home networks.

Innovation Solution

A secure portal device paired with a home router that establishes a direct and encrypted VPN connection, using a processor and wireless radio to extend the home network securely and conveniently, operating as a local access point to provide level 2 access and reduce bandwidth overhead.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional VPN service is used for remote network access, then security and encrypted connection are improved, but cost and setup complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidsetup complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The portal device automatically performs VPN connection establishment, authentication, and network configuration without requiring manual setup by the user. The device self-configures the encrypted tunnel connection to the home network, eliminating complex setup procedures while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a portal device as an intermediary component between the remote user and the home network. This portal device simplifies the interaction by handling all VPN protocol complexities, authentication mechanisms, and encryption/decryption operations, making the system easy to use while maintaining strong security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If encryption protocols are implemented for secure VPN connection, then security is improved, but bandwidth and performance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidbandwidth
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements encryption selectively for only the control and authentication traffic between the portal device and home network, rather than encrypting all data traffic. This localized approach to encryption maintains security for critical communications while minimizing the bandwidth overhead impact on overall network performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Area of stationary object

If VPN is run from router for whole-house solution, then network coverage is improved, but access to local resources becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidaccess to local resources
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network architecture by introducing a portal device that operates independently from the main home router. The portal device creates a localized encrypted access point that users can connect to, while the home network continues to operate normally. This segmentation allows users to access local resources directly through the portal device without interfering with the main network's resource sharing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3688960B1Systems for automatic secured remote access to a local network
Publication Date: 2022.06.29 UBIQUITI INC
  • EP3688960B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3688960B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3688960B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Apparatuses (e.g., systems and devices) and methods for remotely accessing a local (e.g., home, office, etc.) network of devices connected to a local router.