IP Address to Non-IP Translation for Storage Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communications networks face challenges in accessing non-IP address space resources using IP addresses, as existing technologies are limited in efficiently converting and processing IP addresses to access resources in different network protocols like Fibre Channel Storage Area Networks.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that convert an IP address to a non-IP address, allowing access to non-IP address space resources by processing the IP protocol stack to identify and use a network layer protocol different than IP, enabling access to resources such as Fibre Channel Node_Name, N_Port_Name, or N_Port_ID through DNS resolution and protocol stack processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If IP protocol stack processing is used to access resources, then network compatibility and ease of operation are improved, but the ability to access non-IP address space resources deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary translation layer that converts IP addresses to non-IP addresses (such as Fibre Channel addresses). This mediator enables IP-centric applications to access non-IP resources without requiring the applications to understand or be modified for non-IP protocols, thus maintaining ease of operation while expanding adaptability to multiple address spaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conversion from IP address to non-IP address is implemented, then adaptability to access different network protocols is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The translation layer acts as a specialized intermediary component that handles the complexity of address conversion between IP and non-IP address spaces. By centralizing this conversion functionality in a dedicated translation layer, the patent manages device complexity while maintaining high adaptability across different network protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network stack into distinct layers, with the translation layer positioned between the IP protocol stack and the non-IP address space access. This segmentation allows each layer to operate independently with well-defined interfaces, managing complexity through modular design while enabling multi-protocol adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If direct access to non-IP address space is attempted, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring knowledge of non-IP address spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The translation layer serves as an intermediary that shields IP-centric applications from the complexity of non-IP address spaces. Applications continue to use familiar IP addresses for resource access, while the translation layer automatically performs the conversion to appropriate non-IP addresses, maintaining ease of operation while enabling access to diverse network resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual mapping where IP addresses serve as a copy or alias for non-IP addresses. This allows applications to interact with resources using IP address syntax and semantics, while the underlying non-IP address space is accessed through the translated address, preserving ease of operation across different address spaces.
Data Source
AI summary
Non-Internet Protocol (IP) centric resources are accessed based on a value in the form of an IP address. This value (represented as the IP address) is converted to a non-IP address, which is to used access one or more non-IP address space resources. This value (represented as the IP address) typically includes an encoding of the non-IP address and/or an indirect reference (e.g., table index, pointer to a memory location) to the non-IP address.