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Stand alone device for providing security within computer networks

  • US 5,802,178 A
  • Filed: 07/30/1996
  • Issued: 09/01/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/30/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A multi-level security device for providing security between a user and at least one computer network, wherein the user is selected from the group consisting of a host computer and at least a second network, comprising:

  • a secure network interface Unit (SNIU) that operates at a user layer communications protocol, said SNIU communicates with other like SNIU devices by establishing an association at a session layer of a communication stack in order to provide secure end-to-end communications, comprising;

    a host/network interface for receiving messages sent between said user and said at least one network, said interface operative to convert said received messages to and from a format utilized by said at least one network;

    a message parser for receiving said messages from said host/network interface, determining whether said association already exists with another SNIU device and providing a signal indicative of said determination;

    a session manager coupled to said interface for identifying and verifying said user requesting access to said network, said session manager also responsive to said signal from said message parser for transmitting said messages received from said user when said message parser determines said association already exists; and

    an association manager coupled to said interface and responsive to said signal from said message parser for establishing an association with other like SNIU devices when said message parser determines said association does not exist, wherein said message parser stores said messages in a wait queue until said association is established.

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