Load Balanced VPN Connections via Authentication Certificates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional load balancing techniques are ineffective for secure tunnel connections in VPN systems, particularly when cryptographic keys are not accessible, making it difficult to redirect data communication across server clusters.
Innovation Solution
Implementing load balanced and prioritized data connections by establishing multiple connections with distinct authentication certificates, allowing servers to distinguish and route data based on connection priorities, and using a load-balancing algorithm to manage traffic across servers and routers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional load balancing techniques are used for secure tunnel connections, then data communication can be distributed across servers, but the technique becomes ineffective when cryptographic keys are not accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces authentication certificates as an intermediary mechanism that enables load balancing without requiring access to cryptographic keys. The certificates serve as mediators that carry authentication information through the tunnel, allowing servers to verify identities and perform load balancing decisions based on certificate attributes rather than direct key access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter used for authentication from cryptographic keys to authentication certificates with distinguishable attributes. By using certificates that contain unique identifiers or attributes (such as subject names, organization names, or custom extensions), the system can differentiate between connections and perform load balancing based on these certificate parameters rather than relying on key-based authentication.
2Reliability
If secure tunnel connections are established without cryptographic key access, then security is maintained, but redirecting data communication across server clusters becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
Authentication certificates act as intermediaries that enable connection redirection without compromising security. The certificates contain all necessary authentication information in an accessible format, allowing servers to make routing decisions based on certificate attributes while maintaining the security of the underlying cryptographic keys.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the authentication mechanism into separate components: the cryptographic key pair (kept secure) and the authentication certificate (distributed and accessible). This segmentation allows the certificate to be used for identification and routing purposes while the private key remains protected, simplifying the redirection process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connections are established with distinct authentication certificates, then traffic can be distinguished and routed based on connection priorities, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses changes in certificate parameters (such as subject names, organization names, or custom attributes) to distinguish between different connections and apply routing rules. By encoding connection identification and priority information in certificate fields, the system achieves flexible traffic routing without requiring complex connection management protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication certificate provides feedback information to the server about the connection's identity and priority. The server reads relevant fields from the presented certificate and uses this information to determine routing decisions, creating a feedback loop that enables adaptive load balancing based on connection characteristics.
Data Source
AI summary
In embodiments of load balanced and prioritized data connections, a first connection is established to communicate first data from a first server to a second server over a public network, where the first data is communicated from a private network to a first device or subnet that is connected to the second server. A second connection is established to communicate second data from the first server to the second server over the public network, where the second data is communicated from the private network to a second device or subnet that is connected to the second server. The second server can distinguish the first data from the second data according to an authentication certificate field that identifies one of a first communication interface of the first connection or a second communication interface of the second connection.