Communication Device Packet Discard Rule Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

In existing data communication systems, identifying the entry-side communication device to discard packets without using topology information is challenging, especially when the exit-side communication device needs to request the entry-side device to stop allowing specific packets to pass through.

Innovation Solution

A method where the exit-side communication device discards a packet and generates a search packet to identify the entry-side communication device, allowing it to set a rule without relying on topology information, by using header information and specific packet IDs to communicate with the entry-side device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the exit-side communication device discards packets based on local rules, then network traffic is reduced, but the ability to identify the entry-side communication device without topology information is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork trafficVSAvoididentification mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a search packet as an intermediary mechanism to identify the entry-side communication device. The search packet contains a search key that is forwarded through the network until it reaches the entry-side device, which then responds with its identification information. This intermediary approach enables identification without requiring the exit-side device to have topology information or directly communicate with the entry-side device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional topology-based identification mechanism with a packet-based communication mechanism. Instead of relying on pre-configured topology information or direct device-to-device communication, the system uses search packets with search keys that traverse the network automatically, substituting the mechanical/topological approach with an information-based approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If topology information is used to identify the entry-side communication device, then identification accuracy is improved, but the system complexity and information requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification accuracyVSAvoidtopology information
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential identification function from the topology information requirement. Instead of needing complete topology information, the system only requires the search key to be embedded in packets that traverse the network. The identification is achieved by extracting the response from the entry-side device that echoes back the search key, separating the identification function from the topology knowledge requirement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The search packet mechanism creates a copy of the identification process that doesn't require original topology information. The search key is copied into each packet that traverses the network, and the entry-side device copies the search key back in its response. This copying mechanism enables identification without requiring the exit-side device to possess or store topology information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If packets are discarded at the exit-side communication device, then network bandwidth is utilized, but packets should be discarded at the entry-side to reduce network traffic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepacket processingVSAvoidnetwork traffic
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the exit-side communication device sends a rule setting request packet back to the entry-side communication device after determining that a packet should be discarded. This feedback loop enables the entry-side device to learn from the exit-side device's decision and proactively discard similar packets in the future, shifting the discard location from exit-side to entry-side and reducing network traffic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables preliminary action by allowing the entry-side communication device to set rules in advance based on feedback from the exit-side device. Once the exit-side device identifies a packet that should be discarded, it sends a rule setting request to the entry-side device, which then proactively discards subsequent packets matching the same criteria before they enter the network, preventing unnecessary network traffic in the first place.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3136679B1Method and communication system
Publication Date: 2018.01.03 FUJITSU LTD
  • EP3136679B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3136679B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3136679B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method using a communication system including a first information processing device, a first communication device, a first control device controlling the first communication device, a second information processing device, and a second communication device, the method includes transmitting, from the first information processing device, a first packet which belongs to a first flow, a destination node of the first packet being the second information processing device, receiving, by the second communication device, the first packet, and discarding the first packet, identifying the first information processing device which is a transmission source node of the first packet, transmitting a second packet of which a destination node is the first information processing device, receiving, by the first communication device, the second packet, setting the first rule to the first communication device.