IPv4 IPv6 Packet Header Conversion Platform
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy applications configured for IPv4 networks face challenges in supporting IPv6 environments, requiring extensive re-engineering with no guarantee of successful operation, and existing solutions lack efficient conversion methods between IPv4 and IPv6 protocols.
Innovation Solution
A platform with an adapter operating in firmware that performs rule-based conversion of data packets between IPv4 and IPv6 by modifying header fields, allowing legacy applications to communicate with IPv6 networks without re-designing the applications, using a rules engine and conversion engine to manage address changes and protocol specifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If legacy applications are re-engineered to support IPv6, then compatibility with IPv6 network environment is improved, but development complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a packet conversion system as an intermediary layer between legacy IPv4 applications and IPv6 networks. This mediator automatically converts packets between IPv4 and IPv6 formats, eliminating the need for applications to be re-engineered while enabling IPv6 compatibility. The conversion system handles address translation and protocol conversion transparently to the legacy application.
2Adaptability or versatility
If extensive re-engineering of legacy applications is performed, then IPv6 support is achieved, but time consumption and resource expenditure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The packet conversion system performs self-service by automatically handling protocol conversion without requiring changes to legacy applications. The system intercepts IPv4 packets, converts them to IPv6 format, and vice versa, serving the compatibility need autonomously without human intervention in the form of application re-engineering.
3Adaptability or versatility
If data packet conversion between IPv4 and IPv6 is implemented, then network compatibility is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packet conversion function into distinct components: a conversion engine that handles the actual packet transformation, a rules engine that manages conversion logic, and integration points within the network stack. This segmentation allows complex protocol conversion to be managed through modular, manageable components rather than monolithic processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprises receiving a data packet configured in accordance with a first network protocol version, and converting a header portion of the data packet to be configured in accordance with a second network protocol version. The converting comprises identifying a source network protocol address for a source of the data packet in the header portion in accordance with the second network protocol version, and identifying a destination network protocol address for a destination of the data packet in the header portion in accordance with the second network protocol version.