Method for providing a virtual private network connection

Abstract

Systems and methods for providing a virtual private network connection between a first private network and a second private network through a public network are disclosed. The system may include a first gateway device and a second gateway device, the first gateway device being disposed between a first private network and a public network, and the second gateway device being disposed between a second private network and the public network. Associations are provided between the first and second gateway devices, between names hosted by the first gateway device and addresses of network elements residing on the first private network, and between names hosted by the second gateway device and addresses of network elements residing on the second private network. A secure connection is then provided between elements residing on the first and second private networks through the public network.

1 . A method for providing a virtual private network connection between a first private network and a second private network through a public network comprising: 
 providing an association between a first gateway device and a second gateway device, the first gateway device disposed between a first private network and a public network, and the second gateway device disposed between a second private network and the public network;    providing an association between names hosted by the first gateway device and addresses of network elements residing on the first private network;    providing an association between names hosted by the second gateway device and addresses of network elements residing on the second private network; and    providing for secure connectivity between elements residing on the first and second private networks through the public network.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said act of providing for secure connectivity between elements residing on the first and second private networks through the public network further comprises providing encryption and decryption services for traffic flowing between said first and second private networks.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising the act of collecting information regarding connection attempts directed at either of the first or second private networks.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said information comprises the date and time of each connection attempt.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said information comprises the identity of the virtual private network server to which the virtual private network the host is attempting to connect.  
     
     
         6 . An apparatus for providing a virtual private network connection between a first private network and a second private network through a public network comprising: 
 means for providing an association between a first gateway device and a second gateway device, the first gateway device disposed between a first private network and a public network, and the second gateway device disposed between a second private network and the public network;    means for providing an association between names hosted by the first gateway device and addresses of network elements residing on the first private network;    means for providing an association between names hosted by the second gateway device and addresses of network elements residing on the second private network; and    means for providing for secure connectivity between elements residing on the first and second private networks through the public network.    
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , further comprising means for providing encryption and decryption services for traffic flowing between said first and second private networks.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , further comprising means for collecting information regarding connection attempts directed at either of the first or second private networks.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein said information comprises the date and time of each connection attempt.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein said information comprises the identity of the virtual private network server to which the virtual private network the host is attempting to connect.  
     
     
         11 . A system for providing a virtual private network connection between a first private network and a second private network through a public network comprising: 
 a first gateway device and a second gateway device, the first gateway device disposed between a first private network and a public network, and the second gateway device disposed between a second private network and the public network;    an association between said first and second gateway devices;    an association between names hosted by the first gateway device and addresses of network elements residing on the first private network;    an association between names hosted by the second gateway device and addresses of network elements residing on the second private network; and    a secure connection between elements residing on the first and second private networks through the public network.    
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , further comprising encryption and decryption services for traffic flowing between said first and second private networks through said secure connection.  
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , the system being further configured to collect information regarding connection attempts directed at either of the first or second private networks.  
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein said information comprises the date and time of each connection attempt.  
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein said information comprises the identity of the virtual private network server to which the virtual private network the host is attempting to connect.  
     
     
         16 . A computer-readable device for causing a computer to perform a method for providing a virtual private network connection between a first private network and a second private network through a public network, the method comprising: 
 providing an association between a first gateway device and a second gateway device, the first gateway device disposed between a first private network and a public network, and the second gateway device disposed between a second private network and the public network;    providing an association between names hosted by the first gateway device and addresses of network elements residing on the first private network;    providing an association between names hosted by the second gateway device and addresses of network elements residing on the second private network; and    providing for secure connectivity between elements residing on the first and second private networks through the public network.    
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein said act of providing for secure connectivity between elements residing on the first and second private networks through the public network further comprises providing encryption and decryption services for traffic flowing between said first and second private networks.  
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 17 , said method further comprising the act of collecting information regarding connection attempts directed at either of the first or second private networks.  
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 18 , wherein said information comprises the date and time of each connection attempt.  
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 18 , wherein said information comprises the identity of the virtual private network server to which the virtual private network the host is attempting to connect.