Logical Interface and NAT Module for IP Pool Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The number of IP pools in a computer system is restricted by the number of network interfaces, limiting the flexibility in managing IP address ranges, especially when dealing with fragmented IP address ranges in cloud environments.
Innovation Solution
A computer system with a gateway apparatus and a control apparatus that generates logical switches and NAT modules, allowing for the registration of IP address pools independently of the number of network interfaces, thereby increasing the number of IP pools and enhancing IP address management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the number of network interfaces is limited (10-30 in virtual environment, smaller in physical environment), then the device complexity is reduced, but the number of IP pools is restricted to the number of network interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the traditional one-to-one mapping between network interfaces and NAT functions into multiple independent logical interfaces, each capable of being associated with NAT functions. This allows the system to create multiple IP pools through logical interfaces while maintaining a limited number of physical network interfaces, thereby resolving the contradiction between device complexity and the number of IP pools.
2Device complexity
If the number of NAT functions is restricted to the number of network interfaces, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability in managing IP address ranges is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic logical interfaces that can be created, configured, and associated with NAT functions flexibly. Unlike fixed physical network interfaces, logical interfaces can be dynamically added or removed based on IP pool requirements, enabling the system to adapt to varying IP address management needs without increasing the number of physical network interfaces or permanently expanding NAT function count.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces logical interfaces as intermediaries between physical network interfaces and NAT functions. These logical interfaces act as a flexible layer that can be multiplied and configured independently, allowing multiple IP pools to be managed through a limited number of physical interfaces while maintaining full adaptability in IP address range management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fragmented IP address ranges are pooled into the IP pool, then the adaptability in IP address management is improved, but the complexity of managing multiple short continuous IP address ranges increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates logical copies of network interface functionality through logical interfaces. Each logical interface can represent and manage a portion of the fragmented IP address ranges, allowing the system to handle multiple short continuous IP address ranges through standardized logical interface objects rather than managing the complexity of fragmented ranges directly at the physical interface level.
Data Source
AI summary
The number of IP pools is increased independently of the number of network interfaces coupled to an external network. In response to a registration request requesting registration of an IP address pool, which is a part of an IP address space, in a first network, a control apparatus is configured to cause a processor to execute: generating a logical interface configured to operate as a logical network interface; logically coupling the logical interface to a logical switch; generating a NAT module logically coupled to a second network interface and configured to mutually convert an IP address in the IP address pool and an IP address in a second network; and logically coupling the NAT module to the logical interface.