Application Layer VPN Gateway Mutual Authentication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing VPN technologies operating at the transport and network layers face challenges with scalability and client portability due to high hardware dependency, and reliability issues arise when multiple VPN servers are connected, leading to network security problems and IP traffic collisions.
Innovation Solution
A VPN service apparatus and method utilizing mutual authentication with public keys to establish secure tunnels between user devices and VPN servers, incorporating encryption keys and load management to ensure secure and reliable data transmission across a network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If VPN operates at transport layer and network layer using IPSec or SSL, then security is improved, but device complexity and hardware dependency increase, reducing client portability and network scalability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an application layer VPN gateway as an intermediary component that mediates between the client and the network infrastructure. This gateway handles security operations at the application layer, eliminating the need for hardware-based security implementations at lower layers. The gateway acts as a software-based security intermediary that provides authentication, encryption, and tunneling functions without requiring specialized hardware, thus improving client portability while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the VPN implementation from the traditional transport/network layer dimension to the application layer dimension. By operating at the application layer, the system gains flexibility and portability while maintaining security through software-based implementations. This dimensional shift allows VPN functionality to be integrated into standard operating systems and applications without requiring hardware modifications, resolving the contradiction between security and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple VPN servers are connected to one relay server to provide hosted VPN service, then network scalability is improved, but reliability decreases due to network security problems and IP traffic collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the VPN service architecture into distinct functional components: multiple VPN servers, a relay server, and VPN gateways. Each VPN server handles specific client connections and maintains independent security contexts. The relay server provides coordination and management functions without being a security bottleneck. This segmentation allows multiple servers to operate independently, improving scalability while maintaining security through isolation of security domains and prevention of IP traffic collisions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If application layer VPN using SSH protocol is used, then network scalability is improved, but reliability decreases due to simple relay path and lack of mutual authentication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements mutual authentication mechanisms that provide feedback loops between VPN servers and clients. Both parties authenticate each other before establishing connections, ensuring that only authorized entities can communicate. This bidirectional authentication feedback mechanism prevents unauthorized access and enhances reliability while maintaining the scalability benefits of application layer operation. The system continuously verifies authentication credentials and maintains secure sessions through ongoing validation.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for providing a virtual private network (VPN) service based on mutual authentication are provided, the apparatus including a storage unit configured to store a first public key and a second public key; an authentication unit configured to authenticate a VPN server with the first public key and to authenticate a user device with the second public key; and a tunnel management unit configured to generate a first VPN tunnel and a second VPN tunnel to relay data between the user device and the VPN server based on the authentication of the VPN server and the user device by the authentication unit.