NAT Traversal Attribute Dissemination in Control Plane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network protocols face challenges in transparently enabling connectivity across diverse Network Address Translation (NAT) implementations, leading to connectivity issues due to varying NAT types and differing traversal methods, resulting in poor user experience when session establishment conditions are not met.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a controller that discovers and distributes NAT information among edge nodes, allowing each node to make informed decisions on session establishment based on available policies, NAT information, data plane information, remote actions, and third-party stitching, enabling secure communication sessions across different NAT types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If protocols assume a certain NAT behavior for session establishment, then session setup can be simplified, but connectivity fails when the actual NAT type differs from assumptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary NAT type discovery and classification before session establishment. Edge nodes discover their NAT type (symmetric, restricted cone, port-restricted cone, or full cone) in advance, and this information is distributed through the control plane. This preliminary action allows protocols to adapt their behavior appropriately rather than assuming a specific NAT type, resolving the contradiction between simplified setup and reliable connectivity.
2Reliability
If NAT traversal protocols are adapted to support different NAT types, then connectivity improves, but protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control plane acts as an intermediary that centralizes NAT type discovery and information distribution. Instead of embedding complex NAT traversal logic in data plane protocols, the control plane discovers NAT types, classifies them, and distributes this information to edge nodes. This mediator approach maintains protocol simplicity while achieving reliable connectivity across diverse NAT types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments NAT traversal functionality into separate components: NAT type discovery, NAT type classification, information distribution through control plane, and adaptive session establishment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall protocol complexity while maintaining comprehensive NAT type support.
3Productivity
If indefinite retry attempts are used when session conditions are not met, then connection attempts continue, but user experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback through NAT type discovery and classification. When session establishment conditions are not met, the control plane provides feedback about the specific NAT type encountered. Edge nodes use this feedback to adjust their behavior appropriately rather than indefinitely retrying failed connections. This feedback mechanism improves user experience by enabling informed decision-making about connection strategies.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for creating a secure network is provided. The method comprises establishing a controller for a plurality of edge nodes in the network; configuring each edge node to perform a discovery operation to discover Network Address Traversal (NAT) information for any NAT device associated with said edge node; and configuring each edge node to transmit any NAT information discovered through said discovery operation to the controller; and configuring the controller to distribute the NAT information received from the plurality of edge node to each edge node.