Kernel-Space NAT64 Protocol Bridge Session Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing NAT64/46 protocol bridges face inefficiencies due to kernel space/user space context switching and the complexity of maintaining dedicated session mapping tables for address translation between IPv4 and IPv6 networks, which hinders seamless communication during the transition period.
Innovation Solution
A method where data packets are translated directly in the kernel space of a protocol bridge without user space processing, and session tables are extended to manage both IPv4 and IPv6 sessions, enabling efficient address translation and reducing the need for complex session mapping tables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If data packet translation is performed in user space, then the translation process can be flexible and maintainable, but context switching between kernel space and user space reduces processing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the translation process into kernel space, combining the benefits of efficient kernel-level packet handling with the flexibility previously requiring user space. The NAT64/NAT46 translation functionality is integrated directly into the kernel network stack, eliminating context switching while maintaining translation capabilities through kernel-level session management and address translation mechanisms.
2Reliability
If dedicated session mapping tables are used for each transmission protocol, then protocol-specific session management is achieved, but the complexity of maintaining multiple separate tables increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal session mapping table structure that handles multiple transmission protocols (TCP, UDP, ICMPv4, ICMPv6) within a single unified framework. The kernel-level session management system uses a common data structure and lookup mechanism that accommodates different protocol types, eliminating the need for separate dedicated tables while maintaining protocol-specific management requirements through standardized kernel interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for connecting a network using one network protocol with a network using another network protocol are provided. According to an embodiment, a method is provided for performing network address translation. A data packet is received, by a protocol bridge connecting a first network, using a first protocol, and a second network, using a second protocol, via a first session of the first protocol from a first network appliance of the first network. The first protocol may be either Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) or Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) and the second protocol is the other. The data packet is translated into the second protocol. The translation is performed in a kernel space of the protocol bridge. Finally, the data packet is transmitted via a second session of the second protocol to a second network appliance of the second network.