Link Independent Multihoming via MAC Address Binding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multihoming systems in heterogeneous access networks are complex and overhead-intensive, requiring rediscovery and readdressing of network interfaces when moving between different access technologies, and do not adequately address the need for reliable handovers and connections across multiple access networks with varying coverage.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a universal syntax, such as XML, for network-independent multihoming that allows for the discovery and selection of a multihoming server, association of multiple link addresses with MAC addresses, and policy-based packet forwarding, enabling seamless handovers between different access technologies without requiring ubiquitous coverage from individual links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional IP multihoming systems are used with multiple hardware network adapters configured at network layers, then network access reliability is improved, but system complexity and overhead increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the multihoming implementation from the network layer (L3) to the data link layer (L2), specifically at the MAC address level. This dimensional change allows multiple network adapters to be managed through a unified MAC address binding mechanism rather than requiring complex IP address management at the network layer, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal MAC address binding mechanism that works across different network adapter types and configurations. Instead of requiring adapter-specific configurations for each network layer protocol, a single MAC address binding table provides universal management for all adapters, simplifying the system architecture
2Reliability
If multiple hardware network adapters are configured to utilize a single local network interface, then network continuity is improved during failures, but adapter management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic failover and adapter management through the MAC address binding mechanism. When a primary adapter fails, the system automatically binds traffic to alternative adapters based on the configured MAC address bindings, eliminating the need for manual adapter management and configuration changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-configures MAC address bindings for multiple adapters before failures occur. This preliminary configuration establishes the failover hierarchy and binding relationships in advance, so that when failures occur, the system can immediately switch to alternative adapters without requiring real-time management decisions
3Productivity
If adapters are assigned multiple IP addresses or connected to different access points, then total bandwidth is increased, but configuration complexity and overhead intensify
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the multihoming management function from the network layer IP address configuration and places it at the data link layer MAC address level. This extraction separates the bandwidth aggregation function from the complex IP address management, allowing multiple adapters to contribute to total bandwidth through simple MAC address bindings rather than complex multi-IP configurations
Data Source
AI summary
A system for link-independent multihoming in a network having heterogeneous access network technologies is disclosed, providing such multihoming in a manner transparent to IP connections. The system of the present invention provides constructs and methods for:discovering and selecting a multihoming server; selecting a primary media access control (MAC) address; associating multiple link addresses with a MAC address; and forwarding packets via the multihoming server based on certain defined policies.