IPv6 Terminal Identification via Extension Header
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network devices cannot obtain terminal information during data transmission, preventing accurate identification of terminal types, which is essential for providing differentiated services.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating terminal information, such as MAC addresses or IMEI, into IPv6 data packets in specific headers, allowing network devices to determine terminal types by matching these identifiers with corresponding databases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If terminal information is not included in data packets, then network devices cannot identify terminal types, but including terminal information may cause information loss during forwarding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dedicated terminal information field in the IPv6 extension header as an intermediary structure to carry terminal identifiers (MAC address, IMEI, terminal type). This mediator prevents information loss during packet forwarding by providing a protected storage location that network devices can read without overwriting the data, thus resolving the contradiction between enabling identification and preventing information loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding terminal information into the IPv6 packet header before the packet enters the core network. The access network device performs this action in advance, ensuring that terminal identification data is already present and protected when packets reach core network devices, eliminating the need for real-time information insertion and preventing overwrite issues
2Measurement precision
If terminal information is embedded in IPv6 packets, then network devices can identify terminal types, but this increases packet structure complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the IPv6 packet structure by adding a dedicated extension header specifically for terminal information, rather than modifying the base header. This segmentation isolates the complexity to a separate, standardized component that can be processed independently, reducing the overall complexity burden on network devices while enabling accurate terminal identification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal terminal information field that can accommodate multiple types of terminal identifiers (MAC address, IMEI, terminal type) using a unified structure with type indicators. This multi-functional design allows a single packet structure to serve multiple identification purposes, reducing the need for multiple specialized fields and thereby minimizing structural complexity
3Measurement precision
If terminal information is carried in data packets, then user profiling can be enhanced, but this increases processing overhead during packet forwarding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts terminal identification information into a separate, dedicated field in the IPv6 extension header, distinct from the main data payload. This extraction allows network devices to quickly access and process only the necessary identification data without analyzing the entire packet content, reducing processing overhead while maintaining enhanced user profiling capabilities
Data Source
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AI summary
This application provides a terminal identification method and an apparatus, and relates to the communications field. The terminal identification method includes: A communications device generates and sends a data packet; and after receiving the data packet, a network device determines, based on terminal information included in an IP packet header of the data packet, a terminal type of a terminal corresponding to the terminal information. Compared with the conventional technology in which terminal information is covered in a process of transmitting a data packet by a network device, and the network device cannot obtain the terminal information, in the technical solution provided in embodiments of this application, the IP packet header of the data packet includes the terminal information. This prevents the terminal information from being overwritten by other information from a network device that forwards the data packet, so that the network device that receives the data packet can obtain the terminal information, and obtain the terminal type of the terminal based on the terminal information.