ICN Identifier Extension Header for IP Network Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network architectures based on Internet Protocol (IP) networking struggle to efficiently integrate Information Centric Networking (ICN) technology, which focuses on named information, due to differences in routing mechanisms and packet processing.
Innovation Solution
The integration of ICN technology into IP networks is facilitated by electronic devices equipped with interface circuits and processing circuitry that detect and process packets with ICN identifiers, allowing for the extraction and handling of ICN identifiers within IP packets, enabling incremental deployment and compatibility with legacy IP devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ICN technology is integrated into IP networks, then network functionality and adaptability are improved, but device complexity and routing mechanism complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds ICN packets within IP packets by nesting the ICN packet structure inside the IP packet format. The ICN identifier is placed in the IP packet header, allowing ICN functionality to be carried over existing IP infrastructure without requiring separate physical networks or complete protocol replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where IP packets serve as the transport medium for ICN packets. The IP protocol acts as an intermediary layer that enables ICN communication across traditional IP networks, allowing gradual integration without direct confrontation between the two protocol architectures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ICN packets are processed alongside traditional IP packets, then network flexibility is improved, but packet processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the IP packet header universal by enabling it to carry both traditional IP routing information and ICN identifiers. This multi-functionality allows the same packet structure to serve both IP-based and ICN-based communication needs, simplifying the processing architecture by avoiding separate handling paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic packet processing where routers can adaptively determine whether to handle packets as traditional IP packets or as ICN packets based on the presence and type of identifiers in the packet header. This dynamic behavior allows the network to flexibly support both protocols without requiring dedicated processing paths for each.
3Adaptability or versatility
If extension headers are added to IP packets for ICN identifiers, then ICN compatibility is improved, but packet structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packet header into distinct functional areas: the base IP header for traditional routing and an extension header or embedded field for ICN identifiers. This segmentation allows each part to be processed independently according to its protocol requirements, reducing the complexity of handling the combined structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making only the necessary parts of the packet structure ICN-aware. Specifically, the ICN identifier is embedded in specific fields of the IP header or in an optional extension header, while the rest of the packet structure remains unchanged and compatible with traditional IP processing.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure provide an electronic device that includes interface circuits and processing circuitry. The interface circuits are configured to receive and transmit signals carrying packets. The processing circuitry is configured to detect that a received packet includes an Internet protocol (IP) header and an extension header to the IP header and the extension header carries an identifier of an information centric networking (ICN) technology. Further, the processing circuitry is configured to extract the identifier from the extension header, and process the received packet based on the identifier according to the ICN technology. Aspects of the disclosure provide another electronic device that is configured to generate a packet with an IP header (e.g., IPv6 header) and an extension header that carries an identifier of an ICN technology and transmit the packet.