HTTP Redirect Routing Using NAT Source Port Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HTTP redirection methods face scalability issues due to the need for out-of-band signaling and complex management when handling large volumes of traffic, especially with encrypted requests, and lack advanced decision-making capabilities for service availability detection.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing Network Address Translation (NAT) to modify the source port number of HTTP requests to a predetermined set, allowing in-band identification of redirection needs without modifying the request itself, and employing an intermediary node to determine and redirect to an alternative server based on predefined criteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If out-of-band signaling mechanisms are used for service availability detection, then service discovery and availability information can be provided, but system complexity and management overhead increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the service availability information from separate out-of-band signaling mechanisms and embeds it directly into the existing HTTP request packets themselves. The request packets contain both the service availability status and the redirect destination information, eliminating the need for separate signaling channels and reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable service detection
Solution Approach 2:
The HTTP request packets are made multi-functional by having them carry both the original service discovery function and the additional service availability detection function simultaneously. The same packet structure that handles normal request routing now also encodes availability information and redirect instructions, reducing the need for separate specialized signaling mechanisms
2Reliability
If out-of-band signaling mechanisms are implemented for service discovery, then service availability can be detected, but interoperability requirements and management overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses homogeneous HTTP request packet structures for both normal service requests and service availability detection. The same packet format and processing logic are used throughout the system, eliminating the need for special interoperability protocols between service providers and clients. The availability information is encoded using standard HTTP header fields that any compliant system can process
3Extent of automation
If static rule lists are used for request routing decisions, then automated processing is simplified, but advanced service availability detection capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by having the intermediate proxy server check service availability status before forwarding requests. The proxy server examines the HTTP request packets for availability information and makes redirect decisions in advance, enabling advanced service detection while maintaining automated processing through standardized packet inspection and decision logic
4Device complexity
If source port numbers are modified for redirection identification, then in-band redirection can be achieved without additional signaling, but the original request structure is altered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the source port number parameter from its conventional random assignment to a predetermined set of reserved ports that indicate redirection requirements. This parameter modification enables in-band redirection identification without adding separate signaling mechanisms, and the changes are processed automatically by intermediate servers that recognize these reserved port numbers
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and scalable HTTP redirection by eliminating the need for additional signaling, reducing complexity, and facilitating intelligent redirection decisions based on predefined criteria, even with encrypted traffic.
Implementation Method 1
Utilizing Network Address Translation (NAT) to modify the source port number of HTTP requests to a predetermined set
Data Source
AI summary
Examples relate to a method of performing HTTP redirects. An intermediary node, such as a home gateway, receives an HTTP request from a client device for a resource located at a content server. The intermediary node, such as a gateway device. determines that the resource is one that could be provided instead by a different source from that of the content server. for example instead by a proxy that is be co-located with the intermediary node. The intermediary node then performs network address translation to modify the source port number associated with the HTTP request to one from a predetermined set of source port numbers, before forwarding the HTTP request with the modified source port number to the content server. The content server receives the request and determines that the source port of the HTTP request is one of the predetermined set of source port numbers. and thus sends an HTTP redirect message to the client device, wherein the HTTP redirect message is addressed to a domain associated with the proxy.