IPv6 Extension Header for Geo-Location Packet Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

IPv6 networks lack built-in geo-location services, making it difficult for network managers and ISPs to determine the geographic location of clients based on IP addresses, which hinders efficient routing and authentication of packets.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating geo-location information into IPv6 packets using an extension header, allowing for authentication, prioritization, and efficient routing based on the client's geographic location.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If IPv6 protocol is used to address IP exhaustion, then address capacity is improved, but geo-location capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaddress capacityVSAvoidgeo-location information

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the IPv6 packet structure by introducing a separate extension header specifically for geo-location information, distinct from the main address allocation function. This allows the address space to be used for its primary purpose while adding location data as a separate, optional component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The extension header acts as an intermediary element that carries geo-location information between the client device and network infrastructure. It mediates between the need for large address spaces and the need for location-based services without compromising either function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If geo-location information is added to IPv6 packets, then routing efficiency is improved, but packet structure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverouting efficiencyVSAvoidpacket structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The extension header is designed as a dynamic, optional component that is only present when geo-location information is available and needed. Network devices can selectively process packets with extension headers, avoiding unnecessary processing overhead for packets that don't require location-based handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The extension header structure is designed to be universally applicable to various IPv6 packets and can serve multiple functions including routing, authentication, and service prioritization, reducing the need for multiple specialized packet formats.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If extension header with geo-location is implemented, then service differentiation is improved, but processing overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice differentiationVSAvoidprocessing overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Geo-location information is embedded in the extension header at the point of packet generation, before the packet enters the network core. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming location lookups later in the routing process, as the location data is already available to network devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10257099B2Applications of processing packets which contain geographic location information of the packet sender

Publication Date: 2019.04.09 A10 NETWORKS INC

AI summary

A method for routing Internet traffic is disclosed. The method comprises receiving an IPv6 packet. Further, the method comprises determining if the IPv6 packet comprises an extension header with geo-location information. Finally, responsive to a determination that the IPv6 packet comprises an extension header with geo-location information, the method comprises performing an action based on the geo-location information, wherein the action is selected from the group consisting of: authenticating the IPv6 packet, prioritizing the IPv6 packet relative to other packets, routing the IPv6 packet, and monitoring of the IPv6 packet.