Dynamic VPN Protocol Switching for Connection Reliability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
VPN connections between users and network resources can be disrupted due to failures in communication protocols, especially when devices roam between wireless networks or switch from wired to wireless connections, leading to interruptions in secure data communications.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a protocol agile connection management system where a gateway device and client device use session identification data to initiate and re-establish VPN connections using different secure communication protocols, such as SSL and IKEv2/IPSec, allowing seamless transition between protocols to maintain continuous data communication without user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single communication protocol is used for VPN connection, then the connection establishment is simple, but the connection reliability deteriorates when the protocol fails
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the protocol parameter dynamically by switching between different communication protocols (e.g., SSL, IKEv2/IPSec) based on connection status. When the current protocol fails, the system transitions to an alternative protocol to maintain VPN connectivity, thereby improving reliability without requiring complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The VPN connection system implements dynamic protocol selection and switching capabilities. The gateway device and client device autonomously determine when to switch protocols based on connection disruptions, enabling the system to adapt to changing network conditions and maintain continuous secure data transmission.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If VPN connection is re-established after disruption, then continuous data communication is maintained, but protocol failures prevent successful re-establishment
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring multiple communication protocols and establishing session identification data before connection disruption occurs. When a disruption happens, the system can quickly re-establish the VPN connection using alternative protocols and the pre-stored session data, maintaining connection continuity without requiring full re-authentication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares compensatory measures in advance by maintaining multiple protocol options and session state information. When the current protocol fails, these pre-prepared alternatives serve as a cushion to prevent complete connection loss, allowing seamless transition to backup protocols and maintaining VPN connectivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication protocols are supported, then protocol switching capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The VPN gateway device and client device are designed with multi-functionality to support multiple communication protocols (SSL, IKEv2/IPSec, and others). This universal capability allows the system to adapt to different network environments and switch between protocols as needed, improving versatility while managing complexity through standardized implementation frameworks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by enabling autonomous protocol selection and switching without requiring user intervention. The gateway device and client device automatically determine when to switch protocols based on connection status, select appropriate alternative protocols, and re-establish connections using stored session data, thereby managing complexity internally while providing simple user experience.
4Reliability
If session identification data is transmitted over alternative protocol, then connection re-establishment succeeds, but data transmission security must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
Session identification data acts as an intermediary element that enables connection re-establishment across different protocols. The system transmits this essential authentication data over the alternative protocol channel, allowing the VPN connection to be restored while maintaining security through the use of encrypted transmission channels and secure authentication mechanisms inherent in both SSL and IKEv2/IPSec protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are provided for transmitting data securely across virtual private network (VPN) connections. A first VPN connection is initiated between a first device and a second device. The second device selects a first communication protocol to be used for the first VPN connection with the first device. The first device generates session identification data associated with the first VPN connection and sends the session identification data to the second device over the first VPN. The second device receives the session identification data and stores it. The second device determines when the first VPN connection has been disrupted. The second device then selects a second communication protocol and initiates a second VPN connection using the second communication protocol with the first device. The second device transmits the session identification data to the first device, and the first device associates the second VPN connection with the first VPN connection using session identification data.