Abstract: A rule set for client-applied encryption is created and deployed to a client device by a network device over a communications network. Encryption applied by the client in accordance with the rule set may form the basis of a secure connection in which encrypted information is encapsulated and tunneled across a network that includes a wireless or wired interface through which the client obtains network connectivity. The client may monitor operating conditions, including operating conditions of the communications network, client device, and/or service provider. The rule set includes one or more rules that may be used by the client in combination with the detected operating conditions to select the appropriate encryption protocol. The rule set may persist at the client for use over multiple sessions in which a range of communication protocols and/or access points are used by the client to obtain network connectivity.

Abstract: The present invention is a proxy based network communication system and method that incorporates one or more proxy servers that may be non-static, dynamic proxy servers, operable to automatically identify aspects of a user's network environment and details of the servers in said network and to set-up and configure software to be utilized by a user without user input of details of the user's network environment. These operations of the present invention may be undertaken at a point of user setup and reinitiated upon recognition of a communication problem, The present invention may further be operable to allow a user to access only the part of the network to which the user requires access, and to prevent the user from accessing other parts of the network. The present invention therefore provides a secure environment by implementing changing proxy servers rather than static proxy servers and restricting user access within the network on a need-for-access basis.