Diameter Prefix Authorization Server for IPv6 Network Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional prefix management protocols lack efficient mechanisms for prefix authorization and management, particularly in Diameter applications for home agents in MIPv6 and NEMO scenarios, local mobility anchors in Proxy MIPv6 scenarios, and common access routers, leading to inadequate control over prefix delegation and renumbering.
Innovation Solution
A Diameter application for prefix authorization that enables clients, such as home agents, local mobility anchors, and access routers, to request, renew, and reconfigure IPv6 prefixes through a Prefix Authorization server, using new message types like Prefix-Authorize-Request, Prefix-Authorize-Answer, Prefix-Authorize-Renew, and Prefix-Authorize-Reconfigure, with support for Prefix User Identifier and Authorized-Prefix AVPs, allowing for efficient prefix management and renumbering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional prefix management protocols are used, then basic prefix delegation is possible, but control over prefix authorization and renumbering is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Prefix Authorization Server (PAS) as an intermediary component between prefix users and the prefix management system. The PAS mediates prefix authorization requests, validates prefix user identifiers, and manages prefix delegation control. This intermediary structure enhances reliability and control without requiring complex modifications to existing prefix management infrastructure, as the PAS operates as a dedicated authorization layer that interfaces with standard Diameter protocols.
2Reliability
If prefix delegation is enabled without authorization control, then prefix distribution is simple, but security and authorization control are weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the Prefix Authorization Server continuously monitors prefix usage, validates prefix user identifiers, and enforces authorization policies. The system provides feedback loops that verify prefix delegation requests against authorized prefixes stored in the database, ensuring security while maintaining operational simplicity through automated validation processes that operate transparently to end users.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple prefix management protocols are supported, then versatility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the Prefix Authorization Server with universal functionality that supports multiple prefix management protocols including DHCPv6, PPPoE, and Radius through a unified Diameter protocol interface. The PAS implements a standardized authorization framework that can handle different protocol-specific prefix delegation scenarios without requiring separate implementation instances, thereby achieving protocol versatility while maintaining relatively simple system architecture through centralized multi-functional design.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a method for Diameter prefix authorization. The method includes sending a request for a prefix by a Prefix Authorization (PA) client or Diameter client to a Prefix Authorization (PA) server or Diameter server. The method also includes replying with an answer message by the PA server to the PA client to provide a first prefix with a first lifetime. The invention further includes a method for initiating IPv6 address renumbering by sending a message for renumbering from the PA server. The method also includes receiving the message by the PA client and sending a message to the PA server to acquire a second prefix. The method further includes receiving the second prefix from the PA server with an answer message with a second lifetime, where the second prefix is different from the first prefix.