Common Protocol Layer Architecture for Network Interoperability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional protocol conversion methods are complex and inefficient due to the need for multiple conversion methods across various network protocols and layers, leading to increased complexity and performance loss when communicating between different network protocols.

Innovation Solution

A common protocol layer architecture and packet structure are introduced, positioned under the application layer, enabling data communication between different network protocols by simplifying tasks and providing a common address hierarchy, which functions as an internal interface for QoS, security, and communication management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional protocol conversion methods are used to enable communication between different network protocols, then communication capability is achieved, but system complexity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capability between different protocolsVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a common protocol layer as an intermediary between different network protocols. This common protocol layer acts as a mediator that translates and facilitates communication between disparate protocols without requiring direct complex conversion between each protocol pair. The common protocol layer includes standardized components such as network layer, transport layer, and application layer that mediate the interaction between different protocol stacks, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining communication capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal common protocol layer that can handle multiple different network protocols through a single standardized interface. This multi-functional layer is designed to work with various protocols (such as IP, Bluetooth, IEEE1394, and LonTalk as mentioned in the background) without requiring separate conversion mechanisms for each protocol, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining broad adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple protocol conversion methods are implemented across various network layers, then comprehensive protocol compatibility is achieved, but processing efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidprocessing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the protocol conversion function into distinct layers (network layer, transport layer, application layer) within the common protocol architecture. Each layer handles specific conversion tasks independently, allowing for optimized processing at each level rather than monolithic conversion. This segmentation enables parallel processing and reduces the processing overhead associated with comprehensive protocol compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The common protocol layer is established in advance as a standardized framework before actual protocol conversions are needed. This preliminary structure includes pre-defined translation rules, data formats, and communication protocols that are prepared beforehand, eliminating the need for complex real-time conversion logic and improving processing efficiency when actual communication occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional protocol conversion architecture is used, then protocol translation is possible, but performance loss occurs due to complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol translation capabilityVSAvoidcommunication performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the structural parameters of the protocol architecture by introducing a standardized common protocol layer with fixed data formats and communication rules. This parameter standardization reduces the computational complexity of protocol translation while maintaining the ability to translate between different protocols. The common protocol layer uses consistent parameters such as standardized header formats, address structures, and data encoding schemes that streamline the translation process and improve communication performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS7882254B2Common protocol layer architecture and methods for transmitting data between different network protocols and a common protocol packet

Publication Date: 2011.02.01 KOREA ELECTRONICS TECH INST

AI summary

The present invention provides common protocol architecture and methods for transmitting data between different network protocols and a common protocol packet. The common protocol architecture comprises an application layer; a common protocol layer positioned under the application layer, the common protocol layer enabling data communications between the different protocols; a presentation layer positioned under the common protocol layer; a session layer positioned under the presentation layer; a transport layer positioned under the session layer; a network layer positioned under the transport layer; a data link layer positioned under the network layer; and a physical layer positioned under the data link layer. The common protocol packet comprises a common protocol header with information about a packet and a payload with the contents of data. By designing the common protocol layer and the common protocol packet accepting various protocols simultaneously, the present invention can improve compatibility between different protocols.