Virtual Network Interface Management for Secure Application Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing network access for applications running on devices with unique deployment characteristics, such as integrated secure gateways, is complicated due to the need for dedicated interfaces that cannot be shared, requiring sophisticated network rule management to control access to various interfaces.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of customizable network rules that allow specific applications to access designated interfaces while preventing access to others, using features like link aggregation and bridge aggregation to manage data transmission and ensure secure communication, with the ability to create, modify, and reuse these rules to optimize interface usage across multiple applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated interfaces are assigned to each application, then security and reliability are improved, but device complexity and difficulty of management increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements interface pools that can be dynamically shared among multiple applications through virtual network functions. Instead of permanently dedicating interfaces to single applications, the system allows interfaces to serve multiple purposes and multiple applications simultaneously through virtualization and dynamic allocation mechanisms, thereby reducing management complexity while maintaining security through virtual isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic interface allocation where interface assignments are not fixed but can be modified at runtime based on application requirements and security policies. Network function virtualization enables interfaces to be dynamically assigned, reassigned, or shared among different applications without requiring physical reconfiguration, thus simplifying management while preserving security through software-defined controls.
2Productivity
If interfaces are shared among multiple applications, then resource utilization and productivity improve, but security and reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network interfaces into virtual network functions that can be independently managed and allocated to different applications. Each virtual network function creates a logical separation that allows multiple applications to share physical interfaces while maintaining isolated security contexts. This segmentation enables resource sharing without compromising security, as each application operates within its own virtualized network environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces virtual network functions as intermediary layers between physical interfaces and applications. These virtual functions act as mediators that manage interface sharing, enforce security policies, and control access between applications and physical network resources. The intermediary layer enables secure multi-tenant interface sharing by providing controlled access points and isolation mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If customized network rules are implemented, then access control precision is improved, but device complexity and configuration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements pre-configured interface pools and template-based network function definitions that establish access control rules in advance. Rather than requiring complex custom configurations for each application, the system provides predefined templates and pools that can be selectively assigned, reducing configuration complexity while maintaining precise access control through the structured framework of pre-established rules.
Data Source
AI summary
Network rules established on a device can establish communication protocol between applications running on the device and interfaces connected to the device. For example, a network rule can establish which application(s) can access which interface(s), and when an application is not assigned to an interface, the application is not granted network access to the interface(s). In some instances, interfaces can be aggregated together to create an aggregation (e.g., link aggregation or a bridge aggregation), thus allowing the network rule to use the aggregation for multiple applications. An aggregation, such as a link aggregation, can be established as a shared rule that allows access to the interface by multiple applications. Alternatively, an aggregation, such as a bridge aggregation, can be established as a reserve rule that permits only a particular application, and no other application(s), access to the interface.