Data Relaying Apparatus Protocol Conversion via Destination-Based Header Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The compatibility between different protocols such as TRILL and Ethernet, or SPB and Ethernet, is not adequately secured, leading to increased costs due to the need for additional functions or components, which degrades the merits of coexistence.
Innovation Solution
A data relaying apparatus with a processor that selects between removing or adding header information based on the destination of data frames, allowing for seamless protocol conversion between TRILL, SPB, and Ethernet protocols, enabling compatibility without requiring extensive additional functions or components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If TRILL or SPB protocols are installed at deserted places to secure coexistence with urban area networks, then protocol compatibility and communication reliability are improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the network device by enabling dynamic switching between TRILL/SPB mode and Ethernet mode based on the destination address. This allows the same hardware to serve multiple protocol requirements without requiring separate dedicated devices for each protocol type, thereby reducing overall device cost while maintaining communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The network device is designed with multi-functionality to handle both TRILL/SPB protocols and standard Ethernet frames. By incorporating universal processing capabilities that can interpret and forward both protocol types through the same switching fabric and physical interfaces, the device eliminates the need for separate specialized hardware at deserted locations, thus reducing device cost while ensuring protocol compatibility.
2Reliability
If additional functions or components are added to secure protocol compatibility between TRILL/SPB and Ethernet, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protocol conversion function with the existing switching fabric by implementing a destination address-based routing mechanism that operates within the current hardware architecture. Instead of adding separate protocol conversion devices or complex translation layers, the system combines multiple protocol handling capabilities into the existing switching logic, thereby achieving protocol compatibility without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The network device performs self-service by automatically determining whether to process a frame as TRILL/SPB or Ethernet based on the destination address field. This self-distinguishing capability eliminates the need for external protocol identification devices or manual configuration, allowing the device to autonomously handle protocol compatibility while minimizing additional functional overhead.
3Adaptability or versatility
If protocol conversion functions are implemented, then compatibility between TRILL/SPB and Ethernet is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring routing tables that map destination addresses to appropriate protocol handling modes. Before actual data forwarding occurs, the routing table is prepared with entries that indicate whether subsequent frames destined for specific addresses should be processed as TRILL/SPB or Ethernet. This pre-computation eliminates the need for complex real-time protocol analysis during frame forwarding, thereby reducing processing complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A data relaying apparatus includes a first input port, a first output port, and a processor configured to select, based on a destination of a data frame received by the first input port, one of a first process and a second process, the first process including removing first header information of the data frame and transmitting, to the first output port, the data frame from which the first header information is removed, and the second process including adding second header information to the data frame received by the first input port and transmitting, to the first output port, the data frame to which the second header information is added, and perform the selected one of the first process and the second process on the data frame received by the first input port, wherein the first output port outputs the data frame for which the selected process is performed.