Multi-network convergence shim for ICN-IP interworking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ICN technologies face challenges in coexisting with IP networks, particularly in dynamic environments like vehicular networks, where efficient content delivery is hindered by the lack of seamless protocol selection and geographic data distribution restrictions.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent multi-network convergence shim is introduced to interface between the application layer and underlying ICN and IP network layers, providing a universal API for request and response management, and modifying the FIB/PIT to incorporate geographic constraints, enabling efficient protocol selection and data forwarding based on location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ICN protocol is used for content delivery, then content request efficiency is improved, but compatibility with existing IP network infrastructure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (ICN gateway or protocol translator) between ICN and IP networks that enables seamless communication. This intermediary converts ICN interest packets into IP-compatible format and vice versa, allowing ICN content request efficiency to be maintained while ensuring compatibility with existing IP network infrastructure. The intermediary handles protocol translation, routing information mapping, and packet format conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal naming scheme that can represent both ICN content identifiers and IP addresses, enabling the same naming mechanism to work across both paradigms. The unified naming structure allows interest packets to traverse through IP networks while maintaining ICN semantics, and enables IP-based devices to access ICN content using familiar address formats, thus achieving multi-functionality.
2Reliability
If geographic constraints are enforced on data forwarding, then data distribution control is improved, but network routing complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring geographic constraints and forwarding rules in the FIB/PIT tables before data transmission occurs. Geographic regions and access permissions are predetermined and stored, allowing routers to make quick forwarding decisions based on pre-computed rules rather than calculating constraints in real-time, thus reducing routing complexity while maintaining control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by allowing different geographic regions to have different forwarding policies and constraints tailored to local requirements. Each router or network segment can apply specific geographic rules relevant to its location, enabling fine-grained data distribution control without requiring complex global routing calculations, as each node only needs to enforce its local geographic policies.
3Productivity
If protocol selection is automated based on network conditions, then content delivery efficiency is improved, but decision-making complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where network devices continuously monitor transmission conditions (latency, bandwidth, packet loss) and use this feedback to dynamically select the most appropriate protocol (ICN or IP) for content delivery. The system adjusts protocol selection based on real-time network state feedback, enabling automated optimization of content delivery efficiency without requiring complex manual configuration, as the feedback loop guides protocol choices.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and techniques for information centric network (ICN) interworking are described herein. For example, a request may be received at a convergence layer of a node. Here, the request originates from an application on the node. A network protocol, from several available to the node, may be determined to transmit the request. The node then transmits the request via the selected network protocol.