Multi-stage Packet Processing Pipeline for Single Tunnel Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Contemporary mobile operating systems, such as iOS and Android, restrict client applications' ability to access and utilize operating system-level tunnel interfaces, limiting their capacity to process and route IP packets, which hampers functionalities like VPN operations due to the enforcement of a single tunnel interface per client application.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a multi-stage packet processing pipeline that operates on top of a single tunnel interface, allowing multiple client applications to share and process packets by configuring each stage with rules for packet routing and logic for consumption and forwarding, thereby enabling multiple applications to utilize a single tunnel interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single tunnel interface is provided for all client applications, then routing configuration complexity is reduced, but the ability of multiple client applications to utilize tunnel interfaces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packet processing function by introducing multiple packet processing stages (first stage, second stage, third stage, etc.) that operate in sequence on the single tunnel interface. Each stage can be assigned to different client applications, allowing multiple applications to utilize the tunnel interface simultaneously through staged processing rather than requiring multiple separate tunnel interfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple packet processing stages are introduced to enable multiple client applications to use a single tunnel interface, then the ability of multiple client applications to utilize tunnel interfaces is improved, but the complexity of the packet processing system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary components including a packet capture component that intercepts packets at each stage and a packet forwarding component that routes packets between stages and client applications. These intermediaries manage the complexity of multi-application processing by providing standardized interfaces and controlled pathways, preventing the system from becoming unmanageably complex while still enabling multiple applications to access the tunnel interface.
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-stage packet processing pipeline for a single tunnel interface. A computer system identifies a single tunnel interface that is associated with an operating environment, and identifies a plurality of packet processing stages. Each stage comprises at least one rule specifying packets to which the stage applies, and logic configured to process each packet received by the stage. The computer system composes the stages into a packet processing pipeline by registering a union of the stages' rules with the tunnel interface, and by arranging the stages into a linear pipeline. The pipeline connects an upstream connector of an initial stage to the tunnel interface, and connects upstream and downstream connectors from each pair of adjacent stages.