HTTP Multiplexing for Network Scalability and Firewall Simplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for passing application protocol streams in content-based networks require multiple TCP connections, limiting network scalability and increasing administrative overhead, especially in firewalled environments.
Innovation Solution
Multiplexing customer data and control protocols over a single HTTP/TCP connection using an HTTP layer, with prioritization of control plane messages achieved through queue servicing, allowing for reduced TCP connections and improved network efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate TCP connections are established for each data flow (control and customer data), then protocol reliability and clarity are improved, but the number of TCP connections increases significantly, limiting network scalability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate TCP connections (control plane and data plane) into a single TCP connection by multiplexing different application protocol streams over the same connection using distinct port numbers. This reduces the total number of TCP connections from 39 to 13 in the example network, directly improving network scalability while maintaining protocol reliability through proper demultiplexing at the receiving end.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes a single TCP connection universal by enabling it to carry multiple types of traffic (XSMP control stream, XLSP control stream, and customer data stream) simultaneously. Each stream is identified by its associated port number, allowing one TCP connection to perform the functions previously requiring three separate connections, thus enhancing both scalability and adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If multiple TCP connections are configured for different protocols, then protocol differentiation is achieved, but administrative overhead for firewall configuration increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple protocol streams into a single TCP connection, which simplifies firewall configuration from needing to handle 39 separate connections to only 13 connections. The firewall rules become less complex while still maintaining the ability to differentiate and control traffic based on port numbers associated with each protocol stream.
3Adaptability or versatility
If TCP connection multiplexing is implemented to reduce connection numbers, then network scalability is improved, but the complexity of managing multiple protocol streams over a single connection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces port numbers as an intermediary mechanism to manage multiple protocol streams over a single TCP connection. Each protocol stream (XSMP, XLSP, customer data) is associated with a specific port number, allowing the system to differentiate and manage streams without requiring separate connections. This intermediary approach reduces connection management complexity while maintaining scalability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for exchanging control and customer data between network element in a communications network involves establishing a virtual connection between the routers, and exchanging the control and customer data over an http layer.