Don't worry about what anybody else is going to do. The best way to predict the future is to invent it.Alan Kay
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The Elevator Pitch
For laptop computer users who who need to connect to a network the Compact USB 2.0 10/100 Network Adapter is a lifesaver that will allow secure instant access to the internet. Unlike costly wireless connections our product will allow accessablity anywhere.
The Idea
My idea is a USB keychain device that will allow someone to proxy through another computer's internet connection.
Problem
For avid PC laptop users that have to connect to the internet, finding a secure connection to the net is not always possible. Many times there are public PCs in business centers but the security on the machines are always suspect. Also sometimes these machines only have web ports available to limit certain apps from running. The idea is to create a USB device that will allow a client PC to connect to the host and pass data securely through the open ports to a waiting service that will translate to the final destination.
The Design
The device will plug into a USB device on a PC connected (host) to the internet and have an ethernet connection on the other side allowing another PC (guest) to connect to the internet.
The Process
Upon connection to the Host computer, the device will start up a small application that creates a proxy tunnel through the device to the guest PC. This proxy tunnel will pass TCP/IP packets through a secure PORT to a hosted service that would would connect through the internet to the final destination.
Example #1
An employee at a company has a work PC that has a very restricted firewall that prevents FTP access or other apps on certain ports. This device would allow the employee to plug in their personal laptop to their work PC and get a full range of ports, but passes the information to an awaiting service through the open port.
Example #2
A web developer is on the road and gets a call from a client with an issue. The developer knows of a public business center a local hotel but their computers are only available for web access. Since this computer has been used by other users it is infested by every speared and virus known to man. This device would connect an use the connection, but would not interact with the host PC at all. Since the Device will encrypt the packets the data is not accessible by the host PC (and its virus). Since the Device will send the FTP data through the web port the web developer can get their work done without the restrictions of the host system.
The Logo
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I thought of this idea when I was...
I am both Examples. I need access to the net, but sometimes have to put up with stringent security of the host systems. Also I would like to use my own laptop.
It will be lot like Linksys Compact USB 2.0 10/100 Network Adapter, but in reverse.
Comments Posted
Heavy this one, I wouldn't be sure on the security here.
Tommy
There are a number of solutions that work like this. The SecurityNow podcast did a whole series on exactly this issue, so that might be a good place to start in looking at the state of the art. Check out episodes 14 through 19 here:
http://www.grc.com/SecurityNow.htm
I agree that it's a really fruitful area for development. There are a lot of tools in this space, but none of them (that I've found) are as simple and quick as they could be. And anyone who uses a public hotspot (which is almost everyone at some point) needs this tool.
Thanks vanhees. The device would work like a mini VPN router that sends data encrypted through the open port of 80 and 443. The device would more then likely be a embeded device.
I think there is promise here....I like it.
It will have to be easy to use.
Not sure this is a new idea but there is now a real push to use SSLE instead of VPN software. In fact I am looking at using SSLE for a company that I work for for the global team as it reduces the VPN issues and all one needs then is a browser. This is a new service being offered by my network provider.
Not sure if this is the same thing but food for thought anyway...
Yeah, I agree. I was using VPN as a generic term.
I think the biggest value of the product is for to allow someone to tunnel through a public machine with their personal laptop without worrying about the restrictions of the host's network or the host's own security.
My machine here at work has every port locked down except for 80 and 443. It would be nice to plug in my personal laptop into the USB port and go through to a service that would allow me to reach my FTP servers or web admin tools. I am not suggesting (or need) access to the host's network from the laptop. Just a connection to a predefined location on port 80 or 443 that would then redirect my connection to the appropriate place.
Good idea. Although as wireless becomes more ubiquitious this will be less and less useful, so that might be a knock against it. Still, it's a good idea.
Check out Mojo.com I think you will find that it already solves this problem.
Dang...hit the enter key but still had more to say. I was going to continue by saying that Mojo allows you to carry around your desktop on a usb drive and allows you to plug into anyone's computer regardless of the operating system installed on their machine and have a protected version of your desktop to run using their hardware. It is quite ingenious...
That is cool Merman, much like a VMWare image. I have used this kind of technology before. It really is conviencent. The only issue is you are bound by the security rules of the host machine's network. Without something on the other side of the fence you still will be bounced.
let me think about this idea since my background is different.
good enough for me...
well..Merman says its been done or of similar concept...if one dont have the resources nor the will to continue a nice idea..its time fold up :-/
check this one dude:
Interlocked plug and play with power management for operating systems
Document Type and Number:
United States Patent 20050246719
Abstract:
The present invention provides a unified layer for Plug and Play (PnP) components and power management components while relieving device drivers from system-level complexities associated with implementing PnP and/or power management functionality. The layer operates at a level between low-level device drivers and more complex operating system tasks. The subject invention simplifies designing device drivers having proper power management support by creating an infrastructure that allows a device driver to operate within a driver framework or model and without having to process Plug-and-Play or Power Management I/O Request Packets (IRPs) directly.
do you know how to do this or is this just a idea?
Gods_Light
I know it can be done. I could do the server side programming, but I am not the best at linux embeded device programming. I would need some help with that.
saigon,
Thanks for the coments, I am not sure if the device is exactly the same thing.
good one DE!
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