Hostname-Based Network Service Routing Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network routing methods lack configurability, making it difficult for network administrators to ensure specific service levels for different types of traffic, such as VoIP, by selecting the appropriate network service for routing data.
Innovation Solution
A method that configures routers to route data based on hostnames, allowing administrators to assign specific DNS hostnames to network services, updating routing tables to direct traffic addressed to those hostnames over designated network services, thereby ensuring optimal service levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional routing methods are used, then routing decisions are made automatically based on destination address, but network administrators cannot configure specific service levels for different traffic types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that translates high-level hostname-based routing policies into low-level IP address-based routing table entries. This intermediary layer allows administrators to configure routing decisions using simple hostname-to-service mappings without manually managing complex routing tables, thereby improving configurability while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service routing configuration by automatically generating and updating routing table entries based on hostname mappings. The router autonomously translates hostname-based policies into actionable routing entries without requiring manual intervention, reducing configuration complexity while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If policy-based routing is used to forward packets based on source address, then routing configurability is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing hostname-based routing policies at specific network locations (routers) rather than requiring global policy-based routing configuration across the entire network. This localized approach allows individual routers to make intelligent routing decisions based on hostname mappings without requiring complex end-to-end policy-based routing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter used for routing decisions from traditional IP address-based matching to hostname-based matching. By transforming the routing lookup parameter from numerical IP addresses to human-readable hostnames, the system improves configurability and ease of use while maintaining efficient routing performance through automated translation.
3Reliability
If multiple network services are used to connect to the Internet, then redundancy and service level guarantees are improved, but routing selection becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring hostname-to-network-service mappings before actual data transmission occurs. Administrators define which hostnames should use which network services in advance, and the router automatically applies these pre-established mappings to routing decisions, eliminating the need for complex real-time service selection and ensuring consistent service level guarantees.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a method configures a network to route data on a first network service that connects a user's network with a service provider network. In the method, an instruction to route data from the network addressed to a hostname on the first network service is received. According to the hostname, a first IP address that addresses a server identified by the hostname is determined. A second IP address is also determined as the second IP address of the specific network service. Finally, a message is sent to the user's network that specifically instructs the user's network to route data addressed to the first IP address to the second IP address. The message causes configuration of a router on the user's network to route data on the first network service. System and computer program product embodiments are also disclosed.