Gaming Network Switch VLAN Segregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing gaming network architectures, particularly those with a hub-and-spoke topology, face challenges in configuration, management, and resource allocation due to large network sizes and high network traffic, which hinder the development of dynamic and interactive gaming environments across multiple gaming machines.
Innovation Solution
A networked gaming system utilizing a network switch with two sets of data ports, where one set forms a VLAN for external communications and another for internal game-related communications, allowing for segregation of external and internal data transmissions and enabling scalable, secure, and dynamic gaming networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a hub-and-spoke network topology is used to connect gaming machines to centralized servers, then centralized control and management is achieved, but network complexity and traffic management difficulties increase as the network size grows to several thousand machines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large gaming network into multiple virtual sub-networks (VLANs) based on game types or functional requirements. Each VLAN operates as an independent logical network, reducing the complexity of managing a single large network while maintaining centralized control through the gaming server infrastructure.
2Productivity
If all gaming machines communicate through a single network infrastructure, then resource sharing is maximized, but network traffic congestion and security vulnerabilities increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network traffic is segmented into different virtual LANs based on communication needs. Gaming machines can share resources within their VLAN while traffic between different game types is isolated, preventing congestion from propagating across the entire network and reducing security risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces virtual switching and VLAN tagging mechanisms as intermediaries to manage network traffic. These intermediaries intelligently route traffic between different VLANs and to centralized servers, optimizing resource sharing while preventing traffic congestion and enhancing security.
3Adaptability or versatility
If gaming applications require high dynamic interaction across multiple machines, then gaming entertainment value increases, but network architecture limitations hinder implementation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic VLAN assignment and flexible network routing that can adapt to different gaming application requirements. The virtual network infrastructure allows gaming applications to dynamically establish communication paths across multiple machines, enabling highly interactive gaming experiences while the underlying network maintains a manageable hub-and-spoke structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed system and method provide a dynamic and scalable gaming system in which a plurality of gaming machines are connected to a network switch to form a hybrid peer-to-peer gaming network. The gaming switch has two sets of data ports configured into two virtual local area networks (VLANs). The gaming machines are connected through their network interfaces to a first set of data ports of the network switch to form a first VLAN. The gaming machines are connected through their serial interfaces and serial-to-network adapters to a second set of data ports of the network switch to form a second VLAN. The gaming machines are configured to communicate with devices external to the gaming network through their network interfaces. The gaming machines are configured to communicate with each other through their serial interfaces. External and internal communications within the gaming network are segregated both at the device and network levels.