L2 Network Tunneling Across Incompatible Media Types
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Solution Overview
Problem
Networks with different layer two media types face challenges in direct packet transmission due to varying technologies and standards, leading to complex and time-consuming infrastructure upgrades and constant adjustments.
Innovation Solution
Implementing network tunnels with virtual Gateway Network Elements (GNEs) and Digital Communication Channels (DCCs) to translate between incompatible L2 media types using MPLS and Ethernet encapsulations, allowing seamless communication across hybrid networks with legacy and updated equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If network providers adopt different technologies at different paces, then each provider can optimize their own network performance, but inter-network compatibility and direct packet transmission between different L2 media types deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces network tunnels as intermediary structures that connect different L2 media types (Ethernet, SONET/SDH, OTN, etc.) through a common IP/MPLS network infrastructure. The virtual Gateway Network Elements (GNEs) and Digital Communication Channels (DCCs) act as mediators that translate between incompatible L2 protocols, allowing packets to traverse across different media types without requiring end-to-end L2 compatibility. This resolves the contradiction by enabling rapid adoption of new L2 technologies while maintaining backward compatibility with legacy systems through the tunneling mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If infrastructure upgrades are implemented to achieve L2 media compatibility, then direct packet transmission between different L2 media types improves, but deployment time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new dimensional layer (L3 IP/MPLS tunneling layer) above the existing L2 media types, transforming the problem from requiring L2 compatibility to L3 compatibility. Instead of upgrading L2 infrastructure across the entire network, the solution creates virtual L2 networks over L3 IP/MPLS, allowing legacy L2 systems to coexist with modern systems. This dimensional shift enables compatibility without time-consuming L2 infrastructure upgrades.
3Adaptability or versatility
If temporary bridge solutions are deployed to maintain L2 media compatibility during transition, then inter-network communication is maintained, but system complexity and adjustment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal tunneling framework that can handle multiple L2 media types (Ethernet, SONET/SDH, OTN, POS, ATM, Frame Relay, X.25) through a single IP/MPLS infrastructure. The virtual GNEs and DCCs provide multi-functional capabilities to translate between various L2 protocols, replacing the need for multiple specialized bridge solutions. This universal approach reduces overall system complexity by consolidating compatibility functions into a standardized tunneling mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
Interworking between different layer two (L2) medias using network tunnels is provided by receiving, at a virtual gateway network element (GNE), a packet from a first L2 media type network for transmission to a second L2 media type network under the control of a different entities, wherein the first and second L2 media type networks are incompatible for direct packet transmission; removing, at the virtual GNE, ethernet encapsulation from the packet; re-encapsulating, at a network device located between the virtual GNE and a packet network, the packet in a multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) encapsulation; forwarding, over the packet network, the packet from the network device to a digital communication channel (DCC) associated with the second L2 media type network; replacing, at the DCC, the MPLS encapsulation with a link access protocol (LAP) encapsulation; and transmitting the packet encapsulated with the LAP encapsulation to the second L2 media type network.