IP Multicast Protocol Encapsulation for Data Center Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies for connecting virtual machines across remotely located data centers are limited by the complexity of managing virtual private networks and the number of virtual LANs, leading to inefficient network management and routing.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize IP multicast and protocol encapsulation to transmit protocol data units between computing machines via a telecommunications network, using IPv6 multicast mode and tunnelling protocols, with authentication keys and session identifiers to simplify network connectivity and management across multiple data centers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If virtual private networks are used to connect virtual machines across remotely located data centers, then network connectivity is achieved, but management complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces IP multicast as an intermediary mechanism to enable direct communication between virtual machines across data centers. Instead of managing complex VPN tunnels and routing protocols, the system uses multicast groups as intermediaries to deliver packets to multiple destinations simultaneously, significantly reducing management complexity while maintaining connectivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the telecommunications network's IP multicast infrastructure serve multiple functions: it provides both the connectivity mechanism and the routing infrastructure simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate VPN management systems, as the same network infrastructure that handles standard IP traffic also handles the virtual machine communications
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of virtual LANs is increased to support more virtual machines, then more computing machines can be connected, but the system reaches a limitation of approximately 4096 X 4096 = 16777216 VLANs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter for identifying network groups from VLAN IDs (which are limited to 4096 values) to IP multicast group addresses (which can accommodate billions of groups). This parameter change allows the system to support a vastly larger number of virtual machines and communication groups without the 16777216 VLAN limitation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses IP multicast routing infrastructure as an intermediary to manage the mapping between virtual machine communications and network routing. This intermediary handles the complexity of routing to multiple destinations, freeing the system from direct VLAN management constraints and enabling scalable connection of computing machines
3Ease of operation
If IP multicast is used to transmit protocol data units between computing machines via telecommunications network, then network management is simplified, but authentication and security requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary authentication by inserting authentication keys into IP data packets before multicast transmission. This preliminary action ensures that security verification is performed in advance, allowing the system to maintain simplified operations while addressing security requirements through pre-configured authentication mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where authentication keys are inserted into packets and verified at the receiving end. This feedback loop ensures that only authenticated communications are processed, maintaining security while keeping the overall system operation simple through automated verification processes
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for transmitting a protocol data unit via a telecommunications network, wherein a first multiplexing element is connected to the telecommunications network, wherein a second multiplexing element is connected to the telecommunications network, wherein a first computing machine is connected to the first multiplexing element, wherein a second computing machine and a further second computing machine are connected to the second multiplexing element, the method comprising the steps of: -- transmitting the protocol data unit from the first computing machine to the first multiplexing element, -- encapsulating, by the first multiplexing element, the protocol data unit in an Internet Protocol (IP) data packet, -- transmitting, via the telecommunications network, the IP data packet to the second multiplexing element using IP multicast, -- decapsulating, by the second multiplexing element, the IP data packet, -- transmitting the protocol data unit from the second multiplexing element to the second computing machine and/or to the further second computing machine.