VPN Server Selection Using Compromised Exit IP Penalty Scoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Most VPN services lack an effective system to recommend or identify an optimal server for a user based on various parameters, leading to ambiguity and potential connectivity issues due to factors like server location, proximity to international Internet exchange hubs, and load, which affect user experience.
Innovation Solution
A system and method to dynamically evaluate and identify an optimal VPN server by calculating penalty scores based on server conditions such as location, proximity to international Internet exchange hubs, load, and other factors, using a server picker infrastructure that computes numerical weights and selects the server with the lowest penalty score.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If VPN services allow users to connect to any server in the network, then user choice and flexibility are improved, but connectivity reliability and speed deteriorate due to server location and load variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of multiple VPN servers by calculating penalty scores based on predetermined criteria (location, proximity to international exchange hubs, load) before the user actually connects. This advance assessment allows the system to pre-identify optimal servers, ensuring reliable connectivity is established before the user experiences any issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors server conditions and uses this feedback to dynamically update penalty scores. By incorporating real-time information about server load, location effectiveness, and connectivity performance into the scoring mechanism, the system adapts its server recommendations based on actual performance data, improving both reliability and user experience.
2Speed
If VPN services provide multiple servers across different locations, then user experience and speed are improved, but system complexity increases due to need to evaluate and manage multiple server parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms complex server evaluation into a standardized parameter-based scoring mechanism. By converting multiple server parameters (location, proximity to exchange hubs, load) into a unified penalty score calculation, the system simplifies the decision-making process while maintaining the ability to evaluate numerous servers across different locations for optimal speed and performance.
3Ease of manufacture
If VPN services randomly assign servers to users, then system operation is simplified, but user experience deteriorates due to ambiguity and potential connectivity issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs server evaluation and selection without requiring user intervention or manual configuration. By implementing self-service through automated penalty score calculation and optimal server identification, the system maintains operational simplicity while dramatically improving user experience through consistent, data-driven server assignment that eliminates ambiguity and connectivity issues.
Data Source
AI summary
A request is received from a user device. In response to the request, respective penalty scores for VPN servers are calculated. At least some of the VPN servers are associated with respective exit internet protocol (IP) addresses. A respective penalty score for a VPN server is calculated based on a ratio of the respective exit IP addresses determined as being compromised. One or more of the VPN servers are selected based on the respective penalty scores. Respective IP addresses of the one or more of the VPN servers are transmitted to the user device.