Multiple Routing Tables for Network Adapter Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for connecting a machine to multiple communications networks require complex management of routing tables, necessitating detailed knowledge of network topology and specific configuration for each network adapter, making it difficult to handle multiple destinations and alternative routes efficiently.

Innovation Solution

Implementing multiple routing tables, each associated with a network adapter, allowing default and specific destinations, and enabling the use of virtual network adapters to simplify route management and reduce the need for detailed network topology knowledge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single routing table is used for multiple network adapters, then the routing structure is simple, but the management complexity increases significantly when multiple destinations and alternative routes are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverouting table structureVSAvoidrouting table management

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single routing table into multiple routing tables, with each routing table associated with a specific network adapter. This segmentation allows each routing table to manage only the routes relevant to its associated adapter, reducing the complexity of managing all routes in a single table while improving ease of operation through localized route management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If detailed network topology knowledge is required for routing configuration, then routing accuracy is improved, but the ease of configuration deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverouting accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the system automatically discovers network topology and configures routing tables without requiring manual input of detailed topology knowledge. The routing tables are populated automatically based on network adapter capabilities and detected network conditions, maintaining routing accuracy while eliminating the need for manual topology configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple routing entries are added to handle different destinations via different adapters, then routing versatility is improved, but routing table complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverouting flexibilityVSAvoidrouting table entries

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the routing table into multiple adapter-specific routing tables, the patent enables versatile routing to different destinations via different adapters without increasing the complexity of individual routing tables. Each routing table contains only the entries necessary for its associated adapter, maintaining simplicity while achieving overall routing flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a new dimension to routing table organization by introducing the adapter association dimension. Instead of organizing all routes in a single flat structure, routes are organized in multiple dimensions: by destination and by associated network adapter. This dimensional change allows the system to handle multiple destinations via different adapters without creating a complex monolithic routing table.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS7610401B2Method of relaying traffic from a source to a targeted destination in a communications network and corresponding equipment

Publication Date: 2009.10.27 RPX CORP

AI summary

The present invention discloses a method of relaying traffic from a source application (46a-46c) to a targeted destination in a communications network (14, 16). The method comprises the steps of providing a first and at least one second network adapter, each providing access to a network (14, 16) having a plurality of destinations. Furthermore, a first routing table, which defines a first default destination associated with the first network adapter, is provided. Traffic from the source (46a-46c) to the targeted destination is relayed using one of the network adapters (20, 22). According to one aspect of the invention, at least one second routing table defining at least one second default destination is provided. Each second network adapter is individually associated with one second default destination. The step of relaying includes the step of selecting one of the first and second routing tables (60, 62).