Virtual private network

Abstract

A virtual private network is disclosed including a first firewall interposed between a first private network and a public network, and a second firewall interposed between a second private network and the public network. An encrypted path is provided for traffic flowing between the first and second firewalls. A dedicated domain name server is also provided and is associated with each of the first and second firewalls for establishing DNS mappings for the virtual private network. Either of the firewalls may block traffic if content is found to be objectionable.

1 . A virtual private network comprising: 
 a first private network including a first firewall interposed between the first private network and a public network;    a second private network including a second firewall interposed between the second private network and the public network;    the first and second firewalls being configured to provide an encrypted path for traffic flowing between the first and second firewalls;    a dedicated domain name server is associated with each of the first and second firewalls for establishing DNS mappings for the virtual private network; and    wherein either of said firewalls may block traffic if content is found to be objectionable.    
     
     
         2 . The virtual private network of  claim 1 , where the dedicated domain name server comprises a virtual host on the same physical machine as either of the first or second firewalls.  
     
     
         3 . The virtual private network of  claim 2 , wherein either of said first or second firewalls further comprises a plurality of virtual hosts, each of said virtual hosts corresponding to a home through which a connection may be made through either of said first or second firewalls.  
     
     
         4 . The virtual private network of  claim 3 , wherein said domain name server responds with address information to the virtual host responding to a connection request.  
     
     
         5 . The virtual private network of  claim 1 , wherein either of said first or second firewalls further comprise a configurator for providing a web-based front-end for configuring either of said first or second firewalls through a point-and-click interface using a web browser.  
     
     
         6 . A virtual private network comprising: 
 a first firewall means interposed between first private network and a public network means;    a second firewall means interposed between a second private network and the public network;    means for providing an encrypted path for traffic flowing between the first and second firewall means;    means for establishing DNS mappings for the virtual private network associated with each of the first and second firewalls means; and    means for blocking traffic if content is found to be objectionable    
     
     
         7 . The virtual private network of  claim 6 , where the means for establishing DNS mappings comprises a virtual host means on the same physical machine as either of the first or second firewall means.  
     
     
         8 . The virtual private network of  claim 7 , wherein either of said first or second firewall means further comprises a plurality of virtual hosts means for allowing a connection may be made through either of said first or second firewall means.  
     
     
         9 . The virtual private network of  claim 8 , wherein said means for establishing DNS mappings responds with address information to the virtual host responding to a connection request.  
     
     
         10 . The virtual private network of  claim 6 , wherein either of said first or second firewall means further comprise a configurator means for providing a web-based front-end for configuring either of said first or second firewall means through a point-and-click interface using a web browser.  
     
     
         11 . A virtual private network comprising: 
 a first firewall interposed between a first private network and a public network;    a second firewall interposed between a second private network and the public network;    an encrypted path for traffic flowing between the first and second firewalls;    a dedicated domain name server associated with each of the first and second firewalls for establishing DNS mappings for the virtual private network; and    wherein either of said firewalls may block traffic if content is found to be objectionable.    
     
     
         12 . The virtual private network of  claim 11 , where the dedicated domain name server comprises a virtual host on the same physical machine as either of the first or second firewalls.  
     
     
         13 . The virtual private network of  claim 12 , wherein either of said first or second firewalls further comprises a plurality of virtual hosts, each of said virtual hosts corresponding to a home through which a connection may be made through either of said first or second firewalls.  
     
     
         14 . The virtual private network of  claim 13 , wherein said domain name server responds with address information to the virtual host responding to a connection request.  
     
     
         15 . The virtual private network of  claim 11 , wherein either of said first or second firewalls further comprise a configurator for providing a web-based front-end for configuring either of said first or second firewalls through a point-and-click interface using a web browser.