Security system and method for network element access
First Claim
1. A system for securing access to network elements by user elements, wherein the network elements and the user elements are coupled to a network, the system comprising:
- a network security server coupled to the network, wherein said network security server provides security mechanisms to control access to the network elements and protect network resources and information, wherein said security mechanisms comprise;
an authentication server that prepares a response message responsible for authentication of the network users to network elements;
a credential server responsible for controlling the network user credentials or privileges;
a network element access server responsible for controlling of access to the network elements by the user elements, wherein access to the network by the user is based upon verification of a combination of the credentials; and
a registration database to facilitate administration and management of access to the network by the user elements, wherein said registration database stores user identifiers, a list of user credentials, user passwords and administrative information to enhance effectiveness of said security mechanisms;
wherein each of the user elements and the network elements includes a separate local access control means operating in conjunction with said security mechanisms to facilitate secure communication of data over the network.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system and method for securing access to network elements by user elements, wherein the network elements and the user elements are coupled to a network. A network security server coupled to the network, wherein the network security server provides network security mechanisms to control access to the network elements and protect network resources and information. The network security mechanisms include: an authentication server responsible for authentication of the network users to network elements, a credential server responsible for controlling the network user credentials or privileges, and a network element access server responsible for controlling of access to the network elements by the user elements. A registration database facilitates administration and management of access to the network by the user elements. The registration database stores user profiles and administrative information to enhance effectiveness of the network security mechanisms. Each of the user elements and the network elements includes a separate local access control means as an interface that is provided at each user element and operates in conjunction with the authentication server, the credential server, and the network element access server to facilitate secure communication of data over the network.
716 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A system for securing access to network elements by user elements, wherein the network elements and the user elements are coupled to a network, the system comprising:
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a network security server coupled to the network, wherein said network security server provides security mechanisms to control access to the network elements and protect network resources and information, wherein said security mechanisms comprise; an authentication server that prepares a response message responsible for authentication of the network users to network elements; a credential server responsible for controlling the network user credentials or privileges; a network element access server responsible for controlling of access to the network elements by the user elements, wherein access to the network by the user is based upon verification of a combination of the credentials; and a registration database to facilitate administration and management of access to the network by the user elements, wherein said registration database stores user identifiers, a list of user credentials, user passwords and administrative information to enhance effectiveness of said security mechanisms; wherein each of the user elements and the network elements includes a separate local access control means operating in conjunction with said security mechanisms to facilitate secure communication of data over the network. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for providing security of access to network elements by user elements and protect network resources and information, wherein the network and user elements are coupled to a network including a network security server, the method comprising the steps of:
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providing authentication of users to the network elements using an authentication server that prepares a response message associated with the network security server; managing network user credentials or privileges using a credential server associated with the authentication server; controlling access to the network elements by the user elements using a network element access server associated with the authentication server and the credential server, wherein access to the network by the user is based upon verification of a combination of the credentials; storing user identifiers, a list of user credentials, user passwords and administrative information in a registration database associated with the network security server, to facilitate administration and management of access to the network elements by the user elements; and providing a separate local access control means for each user element and each network element, wherein each local access control means operates in conjunction with the network security server to facilitate secure communication of data over the network. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification