Network Access Apparatus DNS Cache Response Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing DNS query process experiences significant delays due to the need for packet forwarding between user equipment and DNS servers through network access apparatus, which increases response time.

Innovation Solution

A network access apparatus is configured to query a locally cached correspondence between domain names and IP addresses, generating a response packet if the target domain name is cached, and forwarding the query to a DNS server only if it is not cached, allowing for immediate response to the user equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If the network access apparatus forwards DNS query request packets to a DNS server, then the DNS server can resolve domain names to IP addresses, but a relatively long delay exists for the DNS server to respond to the DNS query request packet

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDNS query response timeVSAvoidnetwork access apparatus complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network access apparatus performs preliminary actions by maintaining a local cache of DNS resolution results. When a DNS query arrives, the apparatus first checks the local cache before forwarding to the DNS server, thereby resolving common domain names locally and avoiding the delay of server communication for cached entries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The local cache in the network access apparatus acts as an intermediary between the UE and the DNS server. It stores previously resolved domain name to IP address mappings and provides them directly to UEs without requiring server communication, thus reducing response time while maintaining accuracy through periodic cache updates from the DNS server.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If the network access apparatus maintains a local cache of domain name and IP address correspondences, then the response speed to DNS queries is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDNS query response speedVSAvoidnetwork access apparatus complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The local cache uses a simple, lightweight data structure to store domain name to IP address mappings with limited validity periods. Cached entries are periodically updated or discarded based on their age and validity, avoiding the need for complex persistent storage mechanisms while maintaining fast access speeds for recent resolutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Loss of time

If the network access apparatus directly responds to DNS queries from local cache, then the response delay is reduced, but the reliability of DNS resolution may be compromised if cache data is outdated

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDNS query response delayVSAvoidDNS resolution accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The network access apparatus implements a feedback mechanism where it periodically sends update requests to the DNS server to refresh the local cache. When the cache data approaches its validity period or when triggered by specific events, the apparatus queries the DNS server for updated mappings and synchronizes the cache, ensuring data freshness while maintaining fast response times for cached entries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3288242B1Domain name system accessing method and device
Publication Date: 2019.08.14 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3288242B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3288242B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3288242B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to the field of Internet communications, and provides an access method using a domain name system and an apparatus. The method includes: receiving, by a network access apparatus, a DNS query request packet sent by user equipment UE, where the DNS query request packet includes a target domain name; querying, by the network access apparatus, a locally cached correspondence between a domain name and an IP address according to the target domain name; generating, by the network access apparatus, a first DNS response packet if the target domain name is recorded in the correspondence; and sending, by the network access apparatus, the first DNS response packet to the UE. The present invention can resolve a problem of a relatively long delay in responding to a DNS query request packet by a DNS server, and reduce the delay in responding to the DNS query request packet. The present invention is applied to an access system using a DNS.