Tunnel Agent Client Cloud Integration Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cloud management systems lack a straightforward method for achieving secure and dynamic integration of local systems with cloud computing resources, particularly due to bottlenecks in virtual private networks (VPNs) and incompatibilities with changing network environments.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a tunnel agent client on a local system and a tunnel agent server on a cloud system to establish a secure connection using shared security information, enabling secure communication between local and cloud resources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional VPN is used for secure connection between local system and cloud resources, then security is improved, but system complexity and performance bottlenecks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a tunnel agent as an intermediary component that establishes secure connections between local systems and cloud resources. The tunnel agent runs on both the local system and cloud infrastructure, creating a direct encrypted communication channel that bypasses traditional VPN complexity while maintaining security requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the secure connection functionality into a dedicated tunnel agent component separate from the main cloud management system. This segmentation allows the tunnel agent to handle encryption and connection management independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining security

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If traditional VPN is used for secure connection, then security is improved, but adaptability to changing network environments deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidadaptability to changing network environments

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The tunnel agent is designed as a dynamic component that can automatically adapt to changing network conditions. It dynamically adjusts connection parameters, handles network failures, and re-establishes connections as needed, providing both security and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If cloud resources are integrated with local systems, then resource flexibility is improved, but secure communication challenges increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource flexibilityVSAvoidsecure communication challenges

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tunnel agent serves as a mediator that simplifies secure communication between cloud resources and local systems. By handling encryption, authentication, and connection management in a standardized way, it enables resource flexibility without proportionally increasing communication complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8316139B2Systems and methods for integrating local systems with cloud computing resources

Publication Date: 2012.11.20 SAP SE

AI summary

In one embodiment the present invention includes systems and methods for integrating local systems with cloud computing resources. In one embodiment, shared security information is stored on a local system and on a cloud computer system to allow secure communications between software applications on the two systems. In another embodiment, a tunnel agent client on a local system and a tunnel agent server on a cloud computer system are used to establish a secure connection point between the two systems.