Connection management over restricted network

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-2024214354-A1
Application number	US-202418600038-A
Country	US
Kind code	A1
Filing date	Mar 8, 2024
Priority date	Oct 10, 2019
Publication date	Jun 27, 2024
Grant date	—

Abstract

One example may include receiving data, via a client device, from a virtual private network (VPN) server over a first connection of a first network, sending a request sent outside the VPN server, via the client device, to access a second network detected by the client device while the client device is communicating with the VPN server over the first network, responsive to receiving a captive portal from the second network, forwarding, via the client device, authentication information over a second connection to the second network, and receiving additional data, by the client device, from the VPN server over the first connection provided by the first network and a second connection provided by the second network after the authentication information is approved.

First claim

1 . A method comprising:
receiving data, via a client device, from a virtual private network (VPN) server over a first connection of a first network; sending a request sent outside the VPN server, via the client device, to access a second network detected by the client device while the client device is communicating with the VPN server over the first network; responsive to receiving a captive portal from the second network, forwarding, via the client device, authentication information over a second connection to the second network; and receiving additional data, by the client device, from the VPN server over the first connection provided by the first network and a second connection provided by the second network after the authentication information is approved.

2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the first network is accessible by a first access point and the second network is accessible by a second access point separate from the first access point.

3 . The method of claim 1 , comprising:
forwarding a data request to the VPN server, via the client device, destined for a remote server to obtain data from the remote server.

4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the first communication network is a Wi-Fi network.

5 . The method of claim 4 , wherein the second communication network is one or more of a cellular network and another Wi-Fi network.

6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the request comprises a HTTP message.

7 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the request is sent to an authorization server that authorizes access to the second communication network.

8 . A client device comprising:
a processor configured to receive data from a virtual private network (VPN) server over a first connection of a first network; send a request sent outside the VPN server to access a second network detected by the client device while the client device is communicating with the VPN server over the first network; responsive to receiving a captive portal from the second network, forward authentication information over a second connection to the second network; and receive additional data from the VPN server over the first connection provided by the first network and a second connection provided by the second network after the authentication information is approved.

9 . The client device of claim 8 , wherein the first network is accessible by a first access point and the second network is accessible by a second access point separate from the first access point.

10 . The client device of claim 8 , comprising:
forwarding a data request to the VPN server, via the client device, destined for a remote server to obtain data from the remote server.

11 . The client device of claim 8 , wherein the first communication network is a Wi-Fi network.

12 . The client device of claim 11 , wherein the second communication network is one or more of a cellular network and another Wi-Fi network.

13 . The client device of claim 8 , wherein the request comprises a HTTP message.

14 . The client device of claim 8 , wherein the request is sent to an authorization server that authorizes access to the second communication network.

15 . A non-transitory computer readable storage medium configured to store instructions that when executed cause a processor to perform:
receiving data, via a client device, from a virtual private network (VPN) server over a first connection of a first network; sending a request sent outside the VPN server, via the client device, to access a second network detected by the client device while the client device is communicating with the VPN server over the first network; responsive to receiving a captive portal from the second network, forwarding, via the client device, authentication information over a second connection to the second network; and receiving additional data, by the client device, from the VPN server over the first connection provided by the first network and a second connection provided by the second network after the authentication information is approved.

16 . The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 15 , wherein the first network is accessible by a first access point and the second network is accessible by a second access point separate from the first access point.

17 . The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 15 , wherein the processor is further configured to perform:
forwarding a data request to the VPN server, via the client device, destined for a remote server to obtain data from the remote server.

18 . The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 15 , wherein the first communication network is a Wi-Fi network.

19 . The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 18 , wherein the second communication network is one or more of a cellular network and another Wi-Fi network.

20 . The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 15 , wherein the request is sent to an authorization server that authorizes access to the second communication network.

Assignees

• Connectify Inc

Inventors

• Prodoehl Brian
• Lutz Brian
• Cunningham Kevin
• Gizis Alexander

Classifications

• H04L63/08

  for authentication of entities (cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication H04L9/32) · CPC title

• H04L63/0428

  wherein the data content is protected, e.g. by encrypting or encapsulating the payload · CPC title

• H04L63/0272 Primary

  Virtual private networks · CPC title