Network Controller Pass-Through Routing for Host Management Traffic
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for remote IT management lack an efficient mechanism for routing local host-management traffic between a local host and a management controller, leading to complexities in communication and potential performance degradation due to the need for dedicated interfaces and separate communication stacks.
Innovation Solution
A network controller-based pass-through communication mechanism is introduced, utilizing packet filtering and NC-SI interfaces to route local host-management traffic between a local host and a management controller, allowing existing network processing resources to be utilized while maintaining distinct communication paths for management and network traffic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated interfaces and separate communication stacks are used for local host-management traffic, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network controller is designed to handle multiple functions: it manages both external network traffic and local host-management traffic through a single interface. The controller can filter and route different types of traffic through the same physical interface, eliminating the need for separate dedicated interfaces while maintaining reliable communication paths for both management and network operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the management traffic path and network traffic path through a single network controller interface. By merging these functions into one controller that can distinguish and route different traffic types, the system reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining the reliability of both communication channels through intelligent packet filtering and routing.
2Productivity
If dedicated interfaces are used for management traffic, then communication performance is improved, but loss of substance (additional hardware resources) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network controller serves multiple purposes by handling both management traffic and network traffic through the same interface. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for additional dedicated hardware interfaces for management, reducing hardware resource consumption while maintaining communication performance through efficient packet filtering and routing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges management and network traffic handling into a single network controller, eliminating redundant hardware. The controller uses packet filtering mechanisms to distinguish management traffic from network traffic, allowing both types of communication to occur simultaneously through the same physical interface without requiring additional hardware resources.
3Ease of operation
If packet filtering is implemented in the network controller, then device complexity increases, but ease of operation and traffic management improve
Solution Approach 1:
The network controller implements self-service through automated packet filtering and routing based on pre-configured rules. The controller automatically distinguishes between management traffic and network traffic using filtering mechanisms, eliminating the need for manual intervention in traffic routing while maintaining ease of operation. The system serves itself by making intelligent routing decisions based on packet characteristics and configured policies.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A network controller in a communication device may be operable to route local host-management traffic between a local host and a management controller within the communication device, wherein the local host may be operable to utilize its network processing resources and function during communication of the local host-management traffic. A dedicated management port may be configured in the network controller to enable receiving and/or transmitting local host-management traffic communicated from and/or to the local host separate from the local host's network traffic communicated via the network controller. The host-management traffic is communicated between the network controller and the management controller via NC-SI interface. The management controller may be assigned Internet protocol (IP) based addressing information for use during routing of local host- management traffic.