Patents by Inventor Rodger D. Erickson

Rodger D. Erickson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10218782
    Abstract: The present disclosure identifies topologies of a computer network where one network appliance may be configured as a master network appliance and where that master network appliance may communicate over a network communication interface with one or more slave network appliances. Computer networks of the present disclosure may include a switch and a firewall where the switch may be coupled to several network appliances via different network communication interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: SONICWALL INC.
    Inventors: Chris A. Hopen, Gary B. Tomlinson, John Brooke, Derek W. Brown, Jonathan Burdge, Rodger D. Erickson
  • Patent number: 10091320
    Abstract: A network arrangement that employs a cache having copies distributed among a plurality of different locations. The cache stores state information for a session with any of the server devices so that it is accessible to at least one other server device. Using this arrangement, when a client device switches from a connection with a first server device to a connection with a second server device, the second server device can retrieve state information from the cache corresponding to the session between the client device and the first server device. The second server device can then use the retrieved state information to accept a session with the client device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: DELL PRODUCTS L.P.
    Inventor: Rodger D. Erickson
  • Publication number: 20180013852
    Abstract: A network arrangement that employs a cache having copies distributed among a plurality of different locations. The cache stores state information for a session with any of the server devices so that it is accessible to at least one other server device. Using this arrangement, when a client device switches from a connection with a first server device to a connection with a second server device, the second server device can retrieve state information from the cache corresponding to the session between the client device and the first server device. The second server device can then use the retrieved state information to accept a session with the client device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventor: Rodger D. Erickson
  • Patent number: 9813520
    Abstract: A network arrangement that employs a cache having copies distributed among a plurality of different locations. The cache stores state information for a session with any of the server devices so that it is accessible to at least one other server device. Using this arrangement, when a client device switches from a connection with a first server device to a connection with a second server device, the second server device can retrieve state information from the cache corresponding to the session between the client device and the first server device. The second server device can then use the retrieved state information to accept a session with the client device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: DELL PRODUCTS L.P.
    Inventor: Rodger D. Erickson
  • Publication number: 20170318081
    Abstract: The present disclosure identifies topologies of a computer network where one network appliance may be configured as a master network appliance and where that master network appliance may communicate over a network communication interface with one or more slave network appliances. Computer networks of the present disclosure may include a switch and a firewall where the switch may be coupled to several network appliances via different network communication interfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Chris A. Hopen, Gary B. Tomlinson, John Brooke, Derek W. Brown, Jonathan Burdge, Rodger D. Erickson
  • Patent number: 9736234
    Abstract: The present disclosure identifies topologies of a computer network where one network appliance may be configured as a master network appliance and where that master network appliance may communicate over a network communication interface with one or more slave network appliances. Computer networks of the present disclosure may include a switch and a firewall where the switch may be coupled to several network appliances via different network communication interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: AVENTAIL LLC
    Inventors: Chris A. Hopen, Gary B. Tomlinson, John Brooke, Derek W. Brown, Jonathan Burdge, Rodger D. Erickson
  • Publication number: 20160344836
    Abstract: A network arrangement that employs a cache having copies distributed among a plurality of different locations. The cache stores state information for a session with any of the server devices so that it is accessible to at least one other server device. Using this arrangement, when a client device switches from a connection with a first server device to a connection with a second server device, the second server device can retrieve state information from the cache corresponding to the session between the client device and the first server device. The second server device can then use the retrieved state information to accept a session with the client device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventor: Rodger D. Erickson
  • Patent number: 9479589
    Abstract: A network arrangement that employs a cache having copies distributed among a plurality of different locations. The cache stores state information for a session with any of the server devices so that it is accessible to at least one other server device. Using this arrangement, when a client device switches from a connection with a first server device to a connection with a second server device, the second server device can retrieve state information from the cache corresponding to the session between the client device and the first server device. The second server device can then use the retrieved state information to accept a session with the client device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: DELL PRODUCTS L.P.
    Inventor: Rodger D. Erickson
  • Patent number: 9467290
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a method and apparatus for transmitting data securely using an unreliable communication protocol, such as User Datagram Protocol. In one variation, the disclosure describes retaining compatibility with conventional Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and SOCKS protocols, such that secure UDP datagrams can be transmitted between a proxy server and a client computer in a manner analogous to conventional SOCKS processing. Further, the disclosure describes a network arrangement that employs a cache having copies distributed among a plurality of different locations. SSL/TLS session information for a session with each of the proxy servers is stored in the cache so that it is accessible to at least one other proxy server. Using this arrangement, cached SSL/TLS communication session information may be retrieved and used by a second proxy server to accept a session with the client device when the client device switches proxy servers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: AVENTAIL LLC
    Inventors: Marc D. VanHeyningen, Rodger D. Erickson
  • Publication number: 20160164956
    Abstract: Systems and methods for routing communications to a platform service are provided. A message including payload data is received. The information in the payload data of the message is examined in order to determine the type of message. The message is then relayed to an appropriate platform service based on the type of message. Some embodiments assign numbers to the packets that make up the message.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Publication date: June 9, 2016
    Inventors: Chris A. Hopen, Gary B. Tomlinson, John Brooke, Derek W. Brown, Jonathan Burdge, Rodger D. Erickson
  • Patent number: 9268656
    Abstract: Systems and methods for routing communications to a platform service are provided. A message including payload data is received. The information in the payload data of the message is examined in order to determine the type of message. The message is then relayed to an appropriate platform service based on the type of message. Some embodiments assign numbers to the packets that make up the message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Dell Software Inc.
    Inventors: Chris A. Hopen, Gary B. Tomlinson, John Brooke, Derek W. Brown, Jonathan Burdge, Rodger D. Erickson
  • Publication number: 20150326685
    Abstract: A network arrangement that employs a cache having copies distributed among a plurality of different locations. The cache stores state information for a session with any of the server devices so that it is accessible to at least one other server device. Using this arrangement, when a client device switches from a connection with a first server device to a connection with a second server device, the second server device can retrieve state information from the cache corresponding to the session between the client device and the first server device. The second server device can then use the retrieved state information to accept a session with the client device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Inventor: Rodger D. Erickson
  • Publication number: 20150161017
    Abstract: Systems and methods for routing communications to a platform service are provided. A message including payload data is received. The information in the payload data of the message is examined in order to determine the type of message. The message is then relayed to an appropriate platform service based on the type of message. Some embodiments assign numbers to the packets that make up the message.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Inventors: Chris A. Hopen, Gary B. Tomlinson, John Brooke, Derek W. Brown, Jonathan Burdge, Rodger D. Erickson
  • Patent number: 9043476
    Abstract: A network arrangement that employs a cache having copies distributed among a plurality of different locations. The cache stores state information for a session with any of the server devices so that it is accessible to at least one other server device. Using this arrangement, when a client device switches from a connection with a first server device to a connection with a second server device, the second server device can retrieve state information from the cache corresponding to the session between the client device and the first server device. The second server device can then use the retrieved state information to accept a session with the client device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Aventail LLC
    Inventor: Rodger D. Erickson
  • Patent number: 8959384
    Abstract: Systems and methods for routing communications to a platform service are provided. A message including payload data is received. The information in the payload data of the message is examined in order to determine the type of message. The message is then relayed to an appropriate platform service based on the type of message. Some embodiments assign numbers to the packets that make up the message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Aventail LLC
    Inventors: Chris A. Hopen, Gary B. Tomlinson, John Brooke, Derek W. Brown, Jonathan Burdge, Rodger D. Erickson
  • Publication number: 20140173334
    Abstract: Systems and methods for routing communications to a platform service are provided. A message including payload data is received. The information in the payload data of the message is examined in order to determine the type of message. The message is then relayed to an appropriate platform service based on the type of message. Some embodiments assign numbers to the packets that make up the message.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: AVENTAIL LLC
    Inventors: Chris A. Hopen, Gary B. Tomlinson, John Brooke, Derek W. Brown, Jonathan Burdge, Rodger D. Erickson
  • Patent number: 8700775
    Abstract: Systems and methods for routing communications to a platform service are provided. A message including payload data is received. The information in the payload data of the message is examined in order to determine the type of message. The message is then relayed to an appropriate platform service based on the type of message. Some embodiments assign numbers to the packets that make up the message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Aventail LLC
    Inventors: Chris A. Hopen, Gary B. Tomlinson, John Brooke, Derek W. Brown, Jonathan Burdge, Rodger D. Erickson
  • Publication number: 20130346739
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a method and apparatus for transmitting data securely using an unreliable communication protocol, such as User Datagram Protocol. In one variation, the disclosure describes retaining compatibility with conventional Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and SOCKS protocols, such that secure UDP datagrams can be transmitted between a proxy server and a client computer in a manner analogous to conventional SOCKS processing. Further, the disclosure describes a network arrangement that employs a cache having copies distributed among a plurality of different locations. SSL/TLS session information for a session with each of the proxy servers is stored in the cache so that it is accessible to at least one other proxy server. Using this arrangement, cached SSL/TLS communication session information may be retrieved and used by a second proxy server to accept a session with the client device when the client device switches proxy servers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: Aventail Corporation
    Inventors: Marc D. VanHeyningen, Rodger D. Erickson
  • Patent number: 8572249
    Abstract: A network appliance is described that can provide a variety of software services, including both platform services, such as access method services, and a load balancing service. A network may include a network appliance that both provides one or more platform services and acts as a load balancer. When two or more such appliances are used together, they can replace a substantial portion of a conventional network. For example, when a network appliance receives a client communication, its load balancer service can determine whether one of its own platform services will process the communication or forward the communication to another network appliance for processing. Moreover, if the load balancing service of a network appliance fails, another network appliance can provide load balancing. Similarly, if another service of a network appliance fails, then the network appliance may continue to provide load balancing but forward communications requiring the failed service to another network appliance for processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Aventail LLC
    Inventors: Chris A. Hopen, Gary B. Tomlinson, John Brooke, Derek W. Brown, Jonathan Burdge, Rodger D. Erickson
  • Publication number: 20130268617
    Abstract: A network arrangement that employs a cache having copies distributed among a plurality of different locations. The cache stores state information for a session with any of the server devices so that it is accessible to at least one other server device. Using this arrangement, when a client device switches from a connection with a first server device to a connection with a second server device, the second server device can retrieve state information from the cache corresponding to the session between the client device and the first server device. The second server device can then use the retrieved state information to accept a session with the client device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventor: Rodger D. Erickson