Network Address Translation for Multi-Network Computing Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in managing source IP addressing for networking across multiple private networks, particularly in configuring and securing communications between computing elements in different networks.
Innovation Solution
The method involves identifying packets from computing elements with a first source IP address and determining the destination private network. If the destination is a primary network, the packet is encapsulated with the original source IP address. If it's a secondary network, network address translation is performed to translate the source IP address, and the packet is encapsulated with the new address before being sent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network address translation is performed for each secondary private network, then communication across multiple private networks is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computing element is assigned a single source IP address that serves multiple private networks. The networking service uses this universal address to communicate with computing elements in both primary and secondary private networks, eliminating the need for separate source IP addresses for each network and simplifying addressing management.
Solution Approach 2:
A networking service acts as an intermediary between the computing element and multiple private networks. This service performs network address translation to map the single source IP address to appropriate destination IP addresses for different private networks, enabling communication across multiple networks without increasing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple source IP addresses are assigned to computing elements, then addressing for multiple private networks is supported, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of assigning multiple source IP addresses to computing elements, the system uses a single universal source IP address that can communicate with computing elements across multiple private networks. This universal approach simplifies configuration management while maintaining support for multiple networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The networking service serves as an intermediary that handles the complexity of managing multiple private networks. It performs address translation and routing decisions automatically, eliminating the need for manual configuration of multiple source IP addresses and simplifying operation.
3Reliability
If traditional encryption and VLAN technologies are used, then security is improved, but ease of manufacture and configuration difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines network address translation functionality with existing encryption and VLAN technologies. By integrating these functions into a unified networking service, the system maintains security benefits while simplifying configuration through a single source IP address and centralized management.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are systems, methods, and software to manage source addressing associated with packets communicated across multiple private networks. In one example, a computing element is configured to identify a packet from a process with a first source IP address and determine a destination private network from a plurality of private networks for the packet. When the destination private network is not the primary private network, the computing element performs network address translation to translate the first source IP address to a second source IP address for the secondary private network. Once translation is performed, the computing element encapsulates the packet with the second source IP address and communicates the packet.