Cloud Managed VPN Configuration Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for configuring mesh virtual private networks (VPNs) are error-prone and require significant manual effort, including manual key distribution and configuration changes, making it difficult to manage and audit cryptographic keys, and revoke device access.
Innovation Solution
A system that automates the configuration and management of VPNs using a management server to distribute cryptographic keys, establish VPN tunnels, and handle configuration changes, including subnet redefinition and endpoint additions/removals, without manual intervention, utilizing a cloud-managed network architecture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration methods are used to set up mesh VPNs, then cryptographic keys can be distributed and VPN tunnels can be established, but the process becomes error-prone, time-consuming, and difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
A centralized management server is introduced as an intermediary to automate VPN configuration. The server generates cryptographic keys, distributes them to VPN endpoints, manages tunnel establishment, and handles configuration changes centrally, eliminating manual configuration errors and reducing setup time
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automated self-configuration where the management server automatically generates cryptographic keys, configures VPN endpoints, establishes tunnels, and manages updates without human intervention. The system self-manages the entire VPN lifecycle from provisioning to revocation
2Ease of operation
If manual key distribution is used in mesh VPNs, then cryptographic keys can be installed on router pairs, but key management and auditing become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The management server acts as a centralized intermediary for key management. It generates cryptographic keys, securely distributes them to appropriate VPN endpoints, tracks key usage, and enables auditing. This centralization simplifies key distribution operations while reducing management complexity through automated tracking and control
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated feedback mechanisms where the management server continuously monitors VPN endpoint status, tunnel health, and key usage. This enables real-time detection of configuration issues, automated response to changes, and simplified auditing through centralized logging and status reporting
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration changes are made to VPN endpoints, then subnet changes and device additions can be implemented, but errors increase and management becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The management server automatically detects configuration changes such as subnet modifications or new device additions, recalculates VPN routing, updates cryptographic configurations, and reconfigures affected endpoints without manual intervention. This maintains configuration flexibility while ensuring accuracy through automated validation and consistent application of changes across the entire VPN mesh
Data Source
AI summary
A management server includes a configuration and management module processing server configuration information, including a VPN peer list and VLAN/subnet settings. The management server automatically calculates the VPN configuration information, including the VPN peer subnet route information identifying which of the subnets participating in the VPN are behind which of the routers and keys to establish VPN tunnels between those routers participating in the VPN. Each of the routers participating in the VPN includes a VPN tunnel with the other routers participating in the VPN, a set of data structures storing data identifying contact information for each of the subnets participating in the VPN, a combination of an IP address and port to reach one of routers that that subnet is behind, and a forwarding module to forward traffic between the subnets.