IPv6 IPv4 Encapsulation Gateway Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network technologies face challenges in providing efficient two-way communication between utility and home devices using IPv6 protocols over IPv4 WAN clouds, requiring encapsulation and routing mechanisms to ensure reliable connectivity and minimal latency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a routing scheme and protocols in an RF network operating in FHSS mode, utilizing a Gateway for encapsulation of IPv6 packets into IPv4, and a multi-egress, multi-ingress routing algorithm that allows devices to register with upstream nodes and Gateways for optimal path selection and network topology management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If IPv6 packets are encapsulated in IPv4 for transmission through WAN cloud, then compatibility and connectivity are improved, but packet size and transmission overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements IPv6 packet encapsulation within IPv4 packets, where the IPv6 datagram is nested inside the IPv4 packet payload. This allows IPv6 traffic to traverse IPv4-based WAN clouds while maintaining protocol compatibility, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and overhead by using a standardized nesting approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The Gateway device acts as an intermediary between IPv6 wireless LAN and IPv4 WAN cloud. It performs encapsulation of IPv6 packets into IPv4 format for transmission through the WAN, and decapsulation at the receiving end. This mediator enables protocol translation without requiring end devices to support both protocols simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multi-hop routing is implemented in wireless mesh network, then network coverage and connectivity are improved, but latency and transmission delay increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements pre-computation and distribution of routing tables to all mesh network devices before data transmission occurs. Each device maintains an updated routing table that identifies optimal next-hop nodes for reaching various destinations. This preliminary routing information preparation eliminates the need for real-time route discovery during data transmission, thereby reducing latency while maintaining multi-hop connectivity.
3Reliability
If load management is implemented at Gateway, then network reliability is improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wireless network into multiple coverage areas, each served by a separate Gateway device. Load management is distributed across multiple Gateways rather than concentrated in a single central controller. Each Gateway independently manages the devices within its coverage area, segmenting the overall system complexity while maintaining reliability through distributed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Wireless devices in the mesh network autonomously select their own upstream neighbors and establish routing paths based on pre-distributed routing tables. This self-service capability reduces the processing burden on Gateways, as devices perform their own routing decisions rather than requiring centralized route computation and management.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for providing a network and routing protocol for utility services are disclosed. A method includes discovering a utility network. Neighboring nodes are discovered and the node listens for advertised routes for networks from the neighbors. The node is then registered with one or more utility networks, receiving a unique address for each network registration. Each upstream node can independently make forwarding decisions on both upstream and downstream packets, i.e., choose the next hop according to the best information available to it. The node can sense transient link problems, outage problems and traffic characteristics. Information is used to find the best route out of and within each network. Each network node maintains multi-egress, multi-ingress network routing options both for itself and the node(s) associated with it. The node is capable of several route maintenance functions utilizing the basic routing protocol and algorithms.