Ethernet Network Stitching via Protocol Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Service providers face difficulties in building national networks and linking regional networks due to incompatibility of standards, protocols, hardware, and vendor-supplied software and systems.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for stitching Ethernet networks by converting communications from multiple standards to a core standard for transmission across a core network, and then converting back to the receiving network's standard, utilizing network devices with processors and memory to execute instructions for seamless communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If communications networks use different standards and protocols, then each network can be optimized for specific vendor equipment and software, but interoperability between networks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a core network as an intermediary between regional networks using different standards. The core network performs protocol conversion, translating communications from various regional standards (e.g., IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.15.3) into a universal core standard, enabling interoperability without requiring direct compatibility between all regional networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the communication protocol parameters dynamically based on the source and destination networks. Network devices detect the standards being used by connected networks and automatically adjust conversion parameters to match the appropriate protocol translations, allowing flexible adaptation to different vendor equipment and software configurations.
2Ease of manufacture
If all networks are required to be compatible with the core network standard, then national network integration is simplified, but the complexity and cost of upgrading all regional networks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the national network into regional networks that can independently operate with their own standards and vendor equipment. Each regional network remains a separate, manageable unit that can be upgraded or modified without affecting the entire national network, while the core network handles the integration complexity through automated protocol conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The core network performs self-service protocol conversion automatically. Network devices in the core network detect incoming communication standards and autonomously perform the necessary translations to the core standard, eliminating the need for manual configuration or upgrades in regional networks. This allows regional networks to maintain their existing infrastructure while still achieving national-level integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for stitching Ethernet networks. Communications are sent from a number of communications networks in one of two or more standards. The communications are converted from the two or more standards to a core standard. The communications are sent across a core network in communication with the number of communications networks utilizing the core standard. The communications are converted from the core standard to one of the two or more standards utilized by each of the number of communications networks receiving the communications in response to the communications reaching the number of communications networks.