IPv4-IPv6 Address Correlation for Legacy System Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

The transition from IPv4 to IPv6 poses challenges for systems that rely on Internet Protocol addresses for tasks like load-balancing, content localization, and search result ranking, as many systems are incapable of performing these tasks based on IPv6 addresses, leading to operational impediments.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for correlating IPv4 addresses with IPv6 addresses by determining that IPv4- and IPv6-capable devices are the same, storing data indicating correlations between IPv4 and IPv6 addresses, and accessing data indexed by IPv4 addresses based on IPv6 addresses, allowing for the mapping of IPv4-cluster indexed data to be accessible via IPv6 addresses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If systems continue to use IPv4 addressing, then existing systems can perform tasks like load-balancing and content localization, but the address space becomes insufficient due to the number of nodes connected to the Internet

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaddress spaceVSAvoidsystem compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary system that correlates IPv4 and IPv6 addresses, allowing existing IPv4-based systems to access and utilize IPv6 address space. This mediator enables legacy systems to benefit from the expanded address space without requiring complete system redesign, thus resolving the contradiction between address space quantity and system adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal addressing correlation mechanism that allows a single system to handle both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses. This multi-functional approach enables the system to work with either protocol version, providing versatility while accessing the larger IPv6 address space, thereby resolving the contradiction between address space expansion and system compatibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Quantity of substance

If systems transition to IPv6 addressing, then a larger address space becomes available, but systems incapable of performing tasks based on IPv6 addresses face operational impediments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaddress spaceVSAvoidsystem operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The correlation system acts as a mediator that translates IPv6 address queries into IPv4 address lookups for legacy systems. This intermediary layer maintains ease of operation for existing systems while enabling access to IPv6 address space, thus resolving the contradiction between address space availability and operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary correlation of IPv4 and IPv6 addresses in advance, storing mapping relationships that allow legacy systems to operate seamlessly with IPv6 addresses. This preliminary action prepares the system beforehand, eliminating operational impediments when IPv6 addresses are used, thus resolving the contradiction between address space expansion and operational ease

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10938776B2Apparatus and method for correlating addresses of different internet protocol versions
Publication Date: 2021.03.02 GOOGLE LLC
  • US10938776B2 patent drawing
  • US10938776B2 patent drawing
  • US10938776B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is a method of correlating an Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) address with an Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) address. The method may include communicating, via the Internet, an IPv4-addressed signal transmitted to, or received from, an IPv4-capable computing device. The method may also include communicating, via the Internet, an IPv6-addressed signal transmitted to, or received from, an IPv6-capable computing device. The method may further include determining that the IPv4-capable computing device and the IPv6-capable computing device are the same computing device based on the IPv4-addressed signal and the IPv6-addressed signal, and storing in memory data indicating a correlation between at least part of the IPv4 address and at least part of the IPv6 address.