Network Switch ACL Verification via Machine-Readable Maps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network access control constructs, such as ACLs, in data centers are prone to errors and costly to manage, especially in dynamic environments, and are vulnerable to malicious alterations, compromising security and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An automated method and system for verifying network access control constructs on network switches by comparing actual configurations with pre-defined maps, ensuring accurate and secure access control through machine-readable maps and validation protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration of network access control constructs is used, then flexibility in adapting to dynamic environments is improved, but error rate and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically verifies and maintains network access control constructs by comparing actual configurations against expected configurations stored in machine-readable maps. The verification process self-corrects discrepancies without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining adaptability while reducing human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors actual network configurations and provides feedback by comparing them against expected configurations. When discrepancies are detected, the system can automatically generate corrections or alert administrators, creating a closed-loop system that maintains reliability while adapting to dynamic changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual verification of access control lists is performed, then flexibility in configuration changes is improved, but time consumption and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The verification system operates autonomously by automatically accessing network switches, retrieving actual access control list configurations, comparing them against expected configurations from machine-readable maps, and generating verification reports without requiring manual intervention, thereby eliminating time-consuming manual verification processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual verification processes with automated computational processes. Machine-readable maps store expected configurations, and the system automatically compares actual configurations against these stored expectations using computational algorithms, substituting the mechanical/manual verification process with an automated information processing system.
3Reliability
If automated verification system is implemented, then error reduction and security are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces machine-readable maps as intermediary data structures that store expected configurations. These maps act as a mediator between the verification system and the network switches, allowing the system to verify configurations without directly managing complex network states. The maps simplify the verification logic by providing pre-computed expected values.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates copies of expected configurations in machine-readable maps, which are then used for verification purposes. Instead of maintaining complex real-time synchronization with all network devices, the system uses static or periodically updated copies of expected configurations, simplifying the verification process while maintaining security.
4Adaptability or versatility
If frequent ACL changes are made to accommodate dynamic network needs, then adaptability is improved, but vulnerability to malicious alterations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous feedback by comparing actual ACL configurations against expected configurations stored in machine-readable maps. When changes are made to ACLs, the system detects these changes and can alert administrators or automatically correct them if they deviate from expected configurations, thereby preventing malicious alterations while allowing legitimate adaptive changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares counter-measures in advance by maintaining expected configurations in machine-readable maps. When unauthorized or malicious changes are detected, the system can immediately reverse them or alert administrators, preventing the harmful effects of malicious alterations before they can compromise security.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide a method and an apparatus for automatic verification of a network access control construct for a network switch. In one method embodiment, the present invention accesses an actual network access control construct on a network switching device, the actual network access control construct for defining the device actually coupled with the network switching device. Additionally, a machine-readable map of the network is accessed, the map providing a pre-determined network access control construct defining the device which should be coupled with the network switching device. A validation is performed, wherein the validation verifies that the actual network access control construct on the network switching device correlates with the pre-determined network access control construct defined by the machine-readable map.