Virtual Interface for Network Gateway Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Testing network gateway functions, such as firewalls and NATs, requires active devices on both sides of the gateway and can cause network load and latency, making it inefficient and sometimes impossible to test without control over multiple network devices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a network gateway with a gateway function and a first application for testing, which exchanges data with a second application, allowing routing of data to reach the gateway function without needing active devices in both networks, enabling testing even when the gateway is not connected to any networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data packets are sent from one network to the other via the gateway for testing, then the gateway function can be tested, but network load and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual network interface as an intermediary layer between the testing application and the physical network. This virtual interface allows test traffic to be generated and routed locally through the gateway function without requiring actual network connections, thereby eliminating network load while enabling comprehensive gateway testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the network interface that mimics real network behavior. This virtual network interface replicates the essential characteristics of a physical network interface, allowing test packets to be processed through the gateway function in a controlled environment without consuming actual network resources.
2Reliability
If data packets are sent from one network to the other via the gateway for testing, then the gateway function can be tested, but testing time increases due to network latencies
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual network interface acts as a local intermediary that eliminates the need for remote network connections during testing. By generating and processing test traffic locally through the virtual interface, the system removes network latency from the testing process, significantly reducing testing time while maintaining test validity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent sets up the virtual network interface and routing rules in advance, before testing begins. This preliminary configuration ensures that test traffic can be immediately routed through the gateway function without requiring real-time network setup or connection establishment, thereby reducing overall testing time.
3Reliability
If active devices are required on both sides of the gateway for testing, then proper testing can be performed, but device complexity and control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual network interface serves as a self-contained intermediary that eliminates the need for external active devices on both sides of the gateway. The testing application communicates with the virtual interface, which in turn communicates with the gateway function, creating a simplified testing topology that reduces device complexity while maintaining testing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual network interface is designed to be universally applicable for testing various gateway functions. It can handle different types of test traffic and work with multiple gateway function types, reducing the need for specialized testing equipment and simplifying the overall testing setup.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a network gateway comprising a gateway function configured to perform one or more predetermined operations on or with respect to data reaching the gateway function, a first application configured to participate in testing of the gateway function by exchanging data with a second application, and a routing unit configured for routing at least some of the data exchanged between the first application and the second application so that the at least some of the data reaches the gateway function. Implementing the first application for testing a particular gateway function on the network gateway having that function, as opposed to implementing the first application in a device in a network communicatively connected to the gateway, eliminates the need to have a device in the network that is available for testing of that function of the gateway.