IPv6 VLAN Tag Embedding in IP Address Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Ethernet frame formats for VLANs incur additional bandwidth overhead due to the placement of VLAN tag headers outside the IPv6 payload, which can impact network communication efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Embedding VLAN tags within the source or destination IP address fields of the IPv6 payload, allowing network devices to insert or extract these tags dynamically, thereby reducing the standard packet size and improving bandwidth utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If VLAN tag headers are placed outside the IPv6 payload according to current Ethernet frame formats, then VLAN segmentation and network management are achieved, but additional bandwidth overhead is incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the VLAN tag header with the IPv6 payload by embedding the VLAN tag within the IPv6 packet structure. Specifically, the VLAN tag is inserted into the IPv6 extension header or payload area, combining two previously separate components (VLAN tagging and IPv6 packaging) into a single integrated structure, thereby eliminating the need for separate VLAN tag headers outside the IPv6 payload
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the nesting principle by placing the VLAN tag header inside the IPv6 payload structure. The VLAN tag is nested within the IPv6 packet boundaries, specifically embedded in the extension header or payload area, allowing the VLAN information to be contained within the existing IPv6 packet rather than adding external overhead
2Adaptability or versatility
If VLAN tag headers are added to each data packet, then network segmentation into logical virtual networks is achieved, but packet size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the VLAN tag with the IPv6 payload structure, merging the segmentation function into the existing packet format rather than adding separate external headers, thereby maintaining packet size efficiency while achieving network segmentation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the IPv6 payload structure multi-functional by enabling it to serve both as the data carrier and as the container for VLAN tagging information. The extension header or payload area performs dual functions: maintaining IPv6 protocol operations and carrying VLAN segmentation identifiers
3Loss of energy
If VLAN tags are embedded within the IPv6 payload, then bandwidth overhead is reduced, but compatibility with current Ethernet frame formats is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making changes only to specific portions of the packet structure (the extension header or payload area of IPv6) while leaving the rest of the Ethernet frame format and IPv6 structure intact. This localized modification approach maintains compatibility with current standards for the majority of the packet while enabling VLAN embedding where it matters most
Data Source
AI summary
A network device receives an Ethernet frame sent from an originating device toward a destination device, determines whether the frame includes an Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) payload, and determines whether the frame is one of an ingress frame or an egress frame for a virtual local area network (VLAN). The network device determines a VLAN tag for the frame when the frame is an ingress frame and inserts the VLAN tag in a portion of a source internet protocol (IP) address field or a destination IP address field of the IPv6 payload, when the frame is an ingress frame. The network device extracts a VLAN tag from a portion of the source IP address field or a destination IP address field of the IPv6 payload, when the frame is an egress frame. The frame is then output to one of the VLAN or the destination device.