Computer systems, in particular virtual private networks

Details Computer systems, in particular virtual private networks Computer systems, in particular virtual private networks

2006-02-14

2006-02-14

Jung, David (Department: 2134)

Electrical computers and digital processing systems: support

Multiple computer communication using cryptography

Protection at a particular protocol layer

C713S171000, C713S153000, C713S151000, C713S152000

Reexamination Certificate

active

07000121

ABSTRACT:
A first node (client) (1) is in communication with one of a plurality of second nodes (5, 6, 7) connected to a local area network (LAN) (4) via a virtual private network including a link (3), such as the Internet, and a selected one of a plurality of third nodes (gateway servers) (21, 22, 23). Communication between the first node (1) and the third nodes (21, 22, 23) is encrypted, whereas communication between the third nodes and the second nodes (5, 6, 7) is unencrypted. Communication from the first node (1) to one of the second nodes (5, 6, 7) is initially set up via a selected one of the third nodes after suitable authentication. If that third node should subsequently fail, an alternative third node can be used. To detect the failure of a third node, the first node (1) sends a “heartbeat” packet (failure detection signal) to it. An operational third node responds with an answer, indicating that all is well. If no answer is received within a predetermined time interval, the first node sends another “heartbeat” packet. If there is still no answer, another third node is selected for use. This other third node can be one that was previously authenticated, or alternatively one that must be authenticated at this time. In order to reduce workload heartbeat messages may only be sent at selected times.

REFERENCES:
patent: 5917900 (1999-06-01), Allison et al.
patent: 6473863 (2002-10-01), Genty
patent: 6732179 (2004-05-01), Brown et al.
patent: 6735631 (2004-05-01), Oehrke et al.
patent: 2 028 062 (1980-02-01), None
patent: 2 289 394 (1995-11-01), None
patent: 2 328 352 (1999-02-01), None
patent: 2 340 702 (2000-02-01), None
patent: WO 96/21981 (1996-07-01), None
“Undernet IRC Servers”, Sep. 2, 1996, [Retrieved from Internet Sep. 17, 2004], “http://www.blennow.se
ewbplus/unetserv.html”.
Panicker, “An Improved Scheme For Self-Healing in ATM Networks”, Computer Communications, vol. 22, No. 15-16, Sep. 25, 1999, pp 1400-1414.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Computer systems, in particular virtual private networks does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Computer systems, in particular virtual private networks, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Computer systems, in particular virtual private networks will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3653168