Wireless Modem DNS Query Interception and Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless cellular networks, particularly 3GPP networks, host terminals often face challenges in accessing packet-based communications due to the inability to automatically configure DNS server addresses, leading to inconvenient manual entry or application-dependent solutions, and the use of default addresses that may not be preferred or available.
Innovation Solution
A modem with processing apparatus and interface capabilities to intercept and translate DNS queries, receiving addresses from the wireless cellular network and retransmitting them to ensure access to packet-based communications, thereby enabling seamless access to packet-switched networks like the Internet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the terminal uses default DNS server addresses, then the terminal can immediately access packet-based communications without manual configuration, but the DNS server may not be preferred or available in the wireless cellular network
Solution Approach 1:
The modem acts as an intermediary between the terminal and the DNS server. It receives the terminal's DNS query, translates the source address from the default address to the network-provided DNS server address, and forwards the query. This mediator approach allows the terminal to use a simple default address while the modem ensures communication with the correct network-appropriate DNS server.
Solution Approach 2:
The modem creates a translated copy of the DNS query with modified address fields. It receives the original query with default addresses, translates these addresses to the network-provided addresses, and forwards the copied query with the translated addresses. This copying mechanism preserves the original query structure while adapting it to the network environment.
2Reliability
If the terminal manually configures DNS server addresses, then the terminal can use preferred DNS servers, but the configuration process becomes inconvenient and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The modem performs self-service by automatically receiving the DNS server address from the wireless cellular network, storing it, and using it to translate DNS queries. This eliminates the need for manual configuration on the terminal side, as the modem autonomously manages the DNS address translation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The modem performs preliminary action by pre-configuring the DNS server address translation capability before the terminal needs to access packet-based communications. It receives and stores the DNS server address from the network in advance, so that when DNS queries are needed, the translation can occur immediately without manual intervention.
3Reliability
If the modem translates DNS query addresses, then the terminal can access packet-based communications using network-provided DNS servers, but the modem must intercept and modify DNS traffic which increases processing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The modem applies local quality by implementing address translation only at the specific point where DNS queries are processed. Rather than globally modifying all network traffic, it selectively intercepts DNS queries and applies translation only to those packets, leaving other traffic unchanged. This localized approach minimizes overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The modem changes parameters by modifying the source and destination address fields in DNS query packets. It translates the source address from the terminal's default DNS address to the network-provided DNS server address, and adjusts the destination address accordingly. This parameter transformation enables correct routing while maintaining the existing DNS query structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A modem is disclosed that, in one embodiment, includes: first interface apparatus comprising a first wireless transceiver arranged to connect to a wireless cellular network; second interface apparatus arranged to connect to the terminal; and processing apparatus configured as a wireless cellular modem for accessing packet-based communications. The processing apparatus is arranged to receive at least one first address from the wireless cellular network via the first interface apparatus, the first address being an address of a server of a name-to-address resolution system. The processing apparatus is further configured to intercept, via the second interface apparatus, a name-to-address resolution query being conveyed from the terminal to the wireless cellular network comprising a second address as a destination address, to translate the second address into the first address, and to retransmit the query to the wireless cellular network via the first interface apparatus with the first address as the destination address.