VPN Topology Client for Voice Gateway Point-to-Point Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
VPN architectures for voice communications experience high voice data packet latency, loss, and jitter due to the need to redirect packets through a central location, which degrades communication quality and robustness, and are vulnerable to failure if the primary enterprise site becomes unavailable.
Innovation Solution
Establishing point-to-point VPN tunnels directly between secure communication devices and security gateways in secondary sites, using VPN topology and configuration information to route voice data directly between endpoints, thereby bypassing the primary site and enhancing communication quality and robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If packets are redirected through a central location (primary enterprise site), then security control is maintained, but voice data packet latency, loss, and jitter increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized security control function from the data transmission path. Security control is maintained at the primary site through VPN topology management, while data packets are segmented to travel directly between secondary sites through point-to-point tunnels, eliminating the need to redirect all packets through the central location and thereby reducing latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces VPN tunnels as intermediary structures that enable direct communication between secondary sites. These tunnels act as secure intermediaries that maintain security control while allowing packets to bypass the central location, thus reducing latency without sacrificing security.
2Ease of operation
If packets are redirected through a central location, then security management is centralized, but voice communication robustness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network architecture into distributed point-to-point tunnels between secondary sites, each managed independently. This segmentation maintains robustness by eliminating single points of failure while security management remains centralized through VPN topology control, resolving the contradiction between ease of management and communication robustness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a dimensional separation between security management (centralized at primary site) and data transmission (distributed point-to-point tunnels). This dimensional change allows security management to remain centralized while communication robustness is improved through distributed architecture.
3Reliability
If a persistent secure tunnel is established through the primary site, then security is maintained, but the VPN becomes vulnerable to failure if the primary site is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the VPN architecture into multiple independent point-to-point tunnels between secondary sites, eliminating dependency on the primary site for data transmission. Each tunnel is securely managed through VPN topology information while providing independent failover capability, thus maintaining both security and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes point-to-point tunnels between secondary sites in advance, creating redundant communication paths that are ready to take over immediately if the primary site becomes unavailable. This beforehand cushioning ensures continuous VPN availability while maintaining security through established tunnel configurations.
4Loss of time
If point-to-point tunnels are established between secondary sites, then packet latency is reduced, but VPN topology complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where secondary sites automatically discover each other through VPN topology information exchange and establish point-to-point tunnels without manual configuration. This automated self-service approach reduces packet latency through direct routing while minimizing topology management complexity through centralized automatic setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-configuring VPN topology information and establishing tunnel capabilities between secondary sites before actual data transmission occurs. This preliminary setup enables fast point-to-point connectivity when needed, reducing latency while the topology complexity is managed through pre-established configuration frameworks.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a communication device 204 includes a voice communication module 152 to effect packet-switched voice communications over an untrusted network 140; a secure communication module 228 to create a secured pathway 258 with a selected remote secure communication module 124; and a VPN topology client 232 to contact a VPN topology server 240 to receive VPN topology information 236 that enables the secure communication module to create the secured pathway with the selected remote secure communication module. The VPN topology information includes IP addresses associated with remote secure communication modules, with each of the IP addresses having a corresponding range of node addresses serviced by the respective secure communication module.