Dynamic Security Server Discovery via Authentication Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network authentication and authorization processes require manual configuration of security server contact information, which is time-consuming and error-prone, especially in larger networks, and existing dynamic discovery mechanisms are ineffective when IP connectivity is dependent on prior authentication and authorization.
Innovation Solution
Security server contact information is dynamically propagated throughout the network by secured devices acting as proxies during authentication and authorization exchanges, eliminating the need for manual configuration and enabling dynamic discovery even without initial IP connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration of security server contact information is used, then network security can be enforced, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone as networks scale
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling network devices to automatically discover and configure security server contact information through security exchange messages without manual intervention. Devices autonomously obtain necessary configuration data during authentication processes, eliminating the need for administrators to manually configure each device while maintaining security enforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding security server contact information within security exchange messages that are sent before actual security enforcement begins. This allows devices to pre-configure necessary contact information during initial authentication handshakes, so that when security enforcement starts, all devices are already properly configured without requiring additional manual setup time.
2Extent of automation
If dynamic discovery mechanisms like DNS SRV Record are used, then manual configuration is eliminated, but the mechanism fails when IP connectivity depends on prior authentication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional discovery approach by not having devices search for servers, but rather having servers proactively provide their contact information to devices during security exchanges. This reversal eliminates the need for devices to establish IP connectivity before discovery, as the server contact information is delivered directly during the authentication process itself, solving the chicken-and-egg problem of connectivity dependency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses security exchange messages as an intermediary carrier to transmit contact information. These messages serve as a trusted mediation channel between servers and devices, allowing contact information to be delivered reliably even when traditional IP connectivity pathways are not yet established. The security exchange protocol itself becomes the vehicle for information delivery, bypassing the need for separate discovery infrastructure.
3Extent of automation
If security server contact information is distributed dynamically during security exchanges, then automation is achieved, but additional network communication overhead is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the contact information distribution function with the existing security exchange protocol. By embedding contact information within already-necessary authentication and authorization messages, the system combines multiple functions into a single communication flow. This eliminates the need for separate discovery protocols or additional message exchanges, as the contact information is piggybacked on messages that must be exchanged anyway for security purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes security exchange messages multi-functional by using them both for their primary security authentication purpose and for the secondary purpose of distributing contact information. This universal usage means that a single message type serves multiple functions, reducing overall system complexity rather than increasing it, as no dedicated contact information transmission mechanism needs to be created.
Data Source
AI summary
Various systems and method are disclosed for disseminating security server contact information in a network. For example, one method (e.g., performed by a security server) involves determining that a network device is a secure network device, in response to participating in a security exchange with the network device; and then sending a server list to the network device. The server list includes the network address of at least one security server. Another method (e.g., performed by a network device) involves initiating an authentication exchange; receiving a server list, which includes the network address of a security server, as part of the authentication exchange; and communicating with the security server by sending a packet to the network address included in the server list.