Functional Addressing for Network Routing Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication protocols rely on location-based addressing schemes that do not provide information about the functional capabilities of networked devices, requiring translation tables that need frequent updates as devices are added or removed, leading to inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The method involves partitioning the address space into subspaces based on services hosted by devices, mapping functional information onto conventional addresses like IP or MAC addresses, allowing directly addressable destination addresses that include location and functional topology information, eliminating the need for translation tables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If location-based addressing schemes are used, then routing data packets to specific network devices is enabled, but information about functional capabilities of networked devices is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges location information and functional capability information into a single address structure. The address includes both the location identifier (for routing) and functional identifier (for service identification), eliminating the need for separate translation tables and maintaining both routing capability and functional information simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The address structure serves multiple functions: it identifies the location of the network device for routing purposes, identifies the functional capabilities for service selection, and enables direct addressing without requiring additional translation mechanisms. This multi-functional address design resolves the contradiction by making the address itself carry both types of information.
2Adaptability or versatility
If translation tables are distributed throughout the network, then translation from logical to location-based identifiers is enabled, but the tables must be frequently updated when devices are added or removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the translation function from distributed translation tables and eliminates it by using a direct addressing scheme. Instead of having tables translate logical to physical addresses, the address structure itself encodes both the location and functional information, removing the need for translation updates when devices are added or removed.
Solution Approach 2:
The address structure is self-sufficient, containing all necessary information for both routing and service identification within the address itself. This eliminates the dependency on external translation tables that would require updates, making the system more stable and reducing administrative overhead.
3Device complexity
If conventional addressing schemes are used, then routing is simplified, but the addresses do not provide information about service functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the address into distinct fields: a location identifier portion for routing and a functional identifier portion for service information. This segmentation allows the address to maintain the simplicity of conventional schemes while adding functional information, as each segment serves its specific purpose without complicating the overall structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A plurality of networked devices on a communication network host services and instances of those services. These services and service instances are mapped onto destination addresses within a given address space. Thus, the destination addresses provide information about the location of the networked devices, as well as the functional topology of the network. Data packets may be routed to a desired service instance using these destination addresses.