Intermediate CoS Mapping for Protocol Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network protocols face complexity in mapping class of service (CoS) information across different forwarding domains due to incompatible representations, requiring extensive and cumbersome mapping techniques as the number of supported protocols increases.
Innovation Solution
The use of intermediate CoS information that is protocol-independent allows for indirect mapping between different forwarding domains, where network devices apply policies to convert protocol-specific CoS information to and from this intermediate format, reducing the need for direct protocol-to-protocol mappings and enabling user-controlled configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct protocol-to-protocol mapping techniques are used to preserve CoS information when packets are forwarded between different protocols, then CoS information can be correctly conveyed, but the complexity and number of mapping techniques increase substantially as the number of supported protocols increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate representation format that serves as a mediator between different protocol-specific CoS information formats. Instead of creating direct mapping techniques between every pair of protocols, the system converts protocol-specific CoS information to the intermediate format, which then serves as a common basis for forwarding decisions. This intermediary approach dramatically reduces the number of required mapping techniques while preserving CoS information integrity across multiple protocol boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the CoS information handling process into distinct stages: extraction of protocol-specific CoS information, conversion to intermediate representation, and use for forwarding decisions. By dividing the complex mapping problem into separable stages, the system avoids the need for comprehensive direct mappings between all protocol pairs, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive protocol mapping techniques are implemented to support multiple protocols, then CoS information can be correctly conveyed between any protocols, but the number of required mapping techniques increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal intermediate representation format that can represent CoS information from any protocol. This intermediate format serves multiple functions: it can receive CoS information from any protocol-specific format, store it in a standardized way, and enable forwarding decisions without requiring protocol-specific processing. This multi-functional intermediate representation provides broad protocol compatibility while avoiding the need for numerous specialized mapping techniques.
3Measurement precision
If protocol-specific CoS information is directly mapped between forwarding domains, then accurate CoS information is preserved, but the mapping techniques become very complex and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate representation format acts as a mediator that simplifies the management of CoS information mappings. Instead of managing complex direct mappings between every protocol pair, network devices only need to implement conversion to and from the intermediate format. This intermediary approach maintains measurement precision by preserving the essential CoS information while dramatically improving ease of operation by reducing the number of mapping relationships that must be managed.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described in which intermediate policy information is used to translate policy information between forwarding domains. For example, a network device comprises a control unit that associates intermediate policy information, such as intermediate CoS information, with a packet. The network device utilizes the intermediate CoS information to indirectly map first class of service (CoS) information that conforms with a first protocol to second CoS information that conforms to a second protocol. The network device may, for example, apply a first policy to map the first CoS information to the intermediate CoS information and a second policy to map the intermediate CoS information to the second CoS information.