Network Device Layer 3 to Layer 7 Message Traffic Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic messaging systems lack an efficient method to integrate routing and security functions across different layers of the OSI model, leading to separate and independent management of email traffic and security, which hinders effective prioritization, bandwidth management, and fail-over processes.
Innovation Solution
Establishing a communication channel between the network layer (Layer 3) and the application layer (Layer 7) to enable direct information exchange and joint monitoring and action, allowing for enhanced message traffic management, prioritization, bandwidth control, and fail-over configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If routing and security functions are performed separately at Layer 3 and Layer 7 using independent criteria, then each layer can operate independently, but integrated message traffic management and prioritization cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges routing functions at Layer 3 with message handling functions at Layer 7 by establishing direct communication channels between these layers. This allows the network device to receive message traffic information from the MTA and apply integrated routing decisions that consider both network layer requirements and application layer message characteristics, achieving unified traffic management across layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication mechanism that enables information exchange between Layer 3 and Layer 7. This intermediary allows the MTA to provide message traffic flow information to the network device, which then uses this information to make routing decisions, effectively mediating between the independent operations of the two layers.
2Productivity
If Layer 3 routes data packets without regard to application protocols, then network routing is simple and fast, but message-specific routing and security functions cannot be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the MTA prepare and provide message traffic flow information to the network device before routing decisions are made. This allows the network device to receive pre-processed information about message characteristics, enabling faster routing decisions that still consider application-layer requirements without requiring complex real-time analysis.
3Ease of operation
If email servers operate solely on Layer 7, then message protocol handling is simplified, but network layer integration for security and routing cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by establishing a communication channel where the MTA provides message traffic information to the network device, which then applies routing and security decisions. The network device can send information back to the MTA about routing decisions and security requirements, creating a feedback loop that enhances reliability while maintaining ease of operation at Layer 7.
Data Source
AI summary
In a computer network system based on an open system interconnection model, where the computer network system includes at least a network layer (Layer 3) and an application layer (Layer 7), a system and a method for managing electronic message traffic into and out of the computer network system including defining a communication channel between Layer 3 and Layer 7 for exchanging data directly therebetween for use in enhancing flow of the electronic message traffic.