IP ID Field Encoding for Transparent Network Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for data communication in TCP/IP networks face challenges such as limited compatibility with non-TCP protocols, space constraints in TCP headers, packet fragmentation, and firewall rejection issues due to the use of TCP header options.

Innovation Solution

Encoding information into the Internet Protocol Identification Field (IP ID) or IP options within IP packets to enable transparent communication across various network devices and protocols, using predetermined operations on initial sequence numbers to encode data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If TCP header options are used to communicate control information, then device capability negotiation is improved, but compatibility with non-TCP protocols deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidheader structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by making the IP identification field serve multiple functions: its traditional purpose of unique packet identification plus the new function of carrying control information for device capability negotiation. This allows the same field to work across different protocols (TCP, UDP, ICMP) without requiring protocol-specific header extensions, thereby improving protocol compatibility while avoiding increased header structure complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If TCP header options are added to communicate control information, then device capability negotiation is improved, but packet length increases causing fragmentation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol information exchange capabilityVSAvoidpacket length

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by moving the control information from the horizontal dimension (adding more fields in the TCP header) to the vertical dimension (using the existing IP identification field's identifier number). This allows control information to be carried without increasing packet length, as the IP ID field is already present in every IP packet regardless of payload size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the nesting principle by embedding control information within the existing IP identification field structure. Instead of adding separate control fields outside the IP header, the control information is nested within the IP ID field itself, allowing multiple levels of information encoding without increasing the outer packet envelope size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If TCP header options are used for control information, then device capability negotiation is improved, but firewall rejection increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol information exchangeVSAvoidfirewall rejection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by using the IP identification field, which is already universally present and processed by all network devices including firewalls, to carry control information. Since firewalls already examine IP headers for identification purposes, adding control information to this existing field requires no additional firewall configuration or awareness, making the system transparent to security devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the intermediary principle by using the IP identification field as a mediator between devices. This field acts as a universal language that all network devices understand and process, allowing control information to be transmitted without requiring firewalls or intermediate devices to understand or accept the specific control protocol being used.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Quantity of substance

If TCP header options are removed to make space for new options, then header space utilization is improved, but protocol functionality is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheader space availabilityVSAvoidTCP option functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the control information function from the TCP header options and extracting it to the IP identification field. This eliminates the need to modify or remove existing TCP options, as the control information is carried in the IP layer instead, preserving full TCP functionality while providing the needed control information exchange capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS7664857B2Systems and methods of using an IP ID field for automatic WAN/LAN detection

Publication Date: 2010.02.16 CITRIX SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

The solution of the present invention provides systems and methods for encoding information into an Internet Protocol identification field (IPID) of an IP layer header of a network packet in a manner acceptable to many or all of the network devices that encounter the encoded packet. In one embodiment, the solution described herein encodes the IP identification field of the IPID header with information to be communicated between devices. Appliances may use the encoded IP field as a signal or a means for a low-bandwidth subcarrier of data between the appliances that is transparent to any intervening network equipment. For example, the encoded field may be used to announce or probe the presence of a device, a functionality or capability of device or to indicate a type or speed of a network connection of a port on a device.