Automatic VPN Switching via Application Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face inconvenience and inefficiency when switching between different virtual private networks (VPNs) due to the need to manually disconnect and reconnect, which is time-consuming and tedious.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for automatically detecting application activation, determining if it requires a specific VPN, disconnecting from an existing VPN, and establishing the necessary VPN connection using a switching VPN application, which runs in the background to manage VPN connections without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual VPN switching is used, then users can access different computing resources, but the process is time-consuming and tedious

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAccess speed to computing resourcesVSAvoidTime required for VPN switching

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-configures multiple VPN connections and automatically selects and establishes the appropriate VPN connection when an application requires it, eliminating the need for users to manually switch between VPNs and reducing the time required for VPN switching

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The VPN switching system operates autonomously by detecting application requirements and automatically establishing appropriate VPN connections without user intervention, allowing the system to manage its own network connections based on application needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If automatic VPN switching is implemented, then switching speed improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveVPN switching speedVSAvoidComplexity of VPN management system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a VPN manager component that acts as an intermediary between applications and VPN connections. This mediator automatically detects application requirements, determines the appropriate VPN connection, and handles the switching process, thereby improving switching speed while managing system complexity through a dedicated control component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20240396877A1Method and Apparatus for Automatically Switching Between Virtual Private Networks

Publication Date: 2024.11.28 CHARTER COMM OPERATING LLC

AI summary

Disclosed herein are methods and apparatus for automatically switching virtual private networks. A method includes automatically detecting, by a switching virtual private network application, activation of an application, automatically determining, by the switching virtual private network application, whether the application is a defined application in the switching virtual private network application, wherein each defined application includes an associated virtual private network which is needed for a user device to access the application, automatically disconnecting, by the switching virtual private network application, a different virtual private network when the application is defined in the switching virtual private network application, automatically initiating, by the switching virtual private network application, a connection with a virtual private network associated with the application when the application is defined in the switching virtual private network application, and automatically establishing a virtual private network for the application upon acceptance of credentials associated with the virtual private network.