Electronic Device IPv4 Packet Relay Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network relay devices struggle to seamlessly relay IPv4 packets without proper operation mode settings, especially when connected to a WAN with varying network configurations, leading to difficulties for both skilled and unskilled users in identifying and setting the correct operation mode.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with circuitry to process IPv4 packets in both router and bridge modes, capable of terminating IPv4 over IPv6 tunnels and performing communication tests to automatically set the optimal operation mode based on network configurations, including a packet relay processor, operation mode setter, tunneling processor, and communication tester.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the network relay device operates in router mode to relay IPv4 packets, then IPv4 packet relay is enabled, but it fails when connected to IPv6-only networks without proper configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes the operation mode parameter (router/bridge) based on detected network conditions. The device transitions between router mode and bridge mode depending on whether IPv4 connectivity is available, allowing reliable IPv4 packet relay while adapting to different network configurations including IPv6-only environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic operation mode switching where the device automatically transitions between static router mode and dynamic bridge mode based on real-time network connectivity detection. This dynamic adaptation ensures reliable IPv4 relay when possible while maintaining versatility across different network topologies.
2Reliability
If the operation mode is manually configured to ensure proper IPv4 relay, then relay reliability improves, but user complexity and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service operation mode configuration where the device automatically detects network conditions and configures its own operation mode without user intervention. The automatic detection mechanism tests IPv4 connectivity and selectively sets router or bridge mode, eliminating the need for users to manually configure complex network parameters while ensuring reliable IPv4 relay.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from network connectivity tests to automatically determine the appropriate operation mode. The device performs detection operations to test IPv4 reachability and uses this feedback information to automatically configure itself in router or bridge mode, improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of operation
If automatic operation mode selection is implemented to improve ease of use, then user workload decreases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex automatic mode selection logic into a separate detection and control mechanism. The device separates the automatic detection function (testing IPv4 connectivity) from the basic relay function, allowing complex intelligence to be added for ease of use without overwhelming the core relay operation. This modular approach manages device complexity while improving ease of operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the device supports both router and bridge modes to increase versatility, then network configuration flexibility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing the network relay device to perform multiple functions (router and bridge modes) within a single unified architecture. The device maintains both operational capabilities but uses automatic detection to selectively activate only the necessary mode, providing network configuration flexibility while managing complexity through intelligent mode selection rather than requiring separate specialized devices.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device that relays an IPv4 packet includes circuitry configured to process the IPv4 packet in each of a first mode operating as a router and a second mode operating as a bridge, set one of the first mode and the second mode as a mode of the electronic device, terminate an IPv4 over IPv6 tunnel, and perform a communication test through the IPv4 over IPv6 tunnel with respect to another electronic device, and the another electronic device is connected with the electronic device via the IPv4 over IPv6 tunnel and terminates the IPv4 over IPv6 tunnel, and set the first mode as the mode, when a result of the communication test shows that communication is available.