Gateway Embeds iBF in IP Address for ICN Translation

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for an efficient automatic solution for address translation between in-packet Bloom Filters (iBFs) and IP addresses, as existing manual configurations scale poorly when communicating between ICN and IP networks.

Innovation Solution

A method and gateway that acquire an iBF representation of a node, translate it into an IP address by using a partial IP address as a prefix and embedding the iBF representation as a suffix, and store the IP address in a DNS server for lookup, enabling efficient communication between nodes in an iBF-based network and the IP network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual configuration is used for address translation between iBF and IP networks, then address translation can be achieved, but scalability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaddress translation capabilityVSAvoidscalability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The gateway automatically generates IP addresses for iBF nodes by embedding their iBF representations into IP address suffixes, eliminating the need for manual configuration. The system self-services by performing address translation autonomously through DNS registration and automatic IP address assignment, allowing scalable deployment without human intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a gateway as an intermediary between iBF-based ICN networks and IP-based Internet networks. This gateway performs the address translation function by embedding iBF representations into IP addresses and registering them with DNS, serving as a mediator that enables communication between the two different network paradigms without requiring manual configuration on either side.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Extent of automation

If iBF representations are embedded in IP addresses, then automatic address translation is achieved, but IP address structure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic address translationVSAvoidIP address structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent embeds the iBF representation (a probabilistic data structure) within the suffix portion of an IP address, creating a nested structure where one data structure is contained within another. This nesting allows the iBF to be carried alongside the IP address format without requiring a complete redesign of the addressing system, achieving automation while managing complexity through hierarchical organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The IP address is segmented into two functional parts: a prefix that maintains traditional IP routing functionality and a suffix that contains the embedded iBF representation for ICN network identification. This segmentation allows the system to leverage existing IP infrastructure while adding iBF capability, reducing overall complexity by dividing the addressing function into manageable segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3231142B1Network address translation
Publication Date: 2021.07.21 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3231142B1 patent drawingFigure 1~6
  • EP3231142B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3231142B1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

There is provided a method for network address translation. The method is performed by a gateway. The method comprises acquiring an in-packet Bloom Filter (iBF) representation of a node. The method comprises embedding an indication of the iBF representation in an IP address, thereby enabling translation of the iBF representation of the node to an IP address of the node. There is also presented a gateway configured to perform such a method and a computer program comprising computer program code which, when run on a processing unit of the gateway, causes the processing unit to perform such a method.