Network Device Tunnel Negotiation for Protocol Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computer networking devices face challenges in establishing secure tunnels with controllers due to changes in tunnel protocols, especially when upgrading or downgrading firmware, leading to communication failures and incomplete configuration processes.
Innovation Solution
The method involves generating and transmitting a tunneling capabilities message by the computer networking device to the controller, indicating supported tunnel types, and selecting a suitable tunnel type based on the controller's response or defaulting to a pre-defined type if no response is received, ensuring a stable connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a specific tunnel protocol is selected for communication between controller and computer networking devices, then communication reliability is improved, but adaptability to different protocol versions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects the tunnel protocol based on the capabilities of the communicating devices. The controller and computer networking devices exchange capability information and negotiate to determine the appropriate tunnel protocol version, allowing the system to adapt between different protocol versions while maintaining reliable communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the protocol version parameter based on device capabilities. By allowing devices to indicate their supported tunnel protocols and selecting the appropriate version, the system can maintain reliable communication across different firmware versions and protocol implementations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tunnel protocol is changed during firmware upgrades, then device functionality is improved, but connection stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary capability exchange before establishing or upgrading the tunnel connection. By exchanging tunnel protocol capability information in advance, the controller and computer networking devices can determine the appropriate protocol version to use, ensuring connection stability during firmware upgrades while enabling access to improved functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements feedback mechanisms where devices communicate their supported tunnel protocols to each other. This feedback allows the system to select an appropriate common protocol version that both devices support, maintaining connection stability during firmware upgrades while enabling functionality improvements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tunnel protocols are supported, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller and computer networking devices are designed with multi-functionality to support multiple tunnel protocols. By incorporating capability indication mechanisms, the system can selectively activate the appropriate protocol based on device capabilities, achieving broad compatibility without requiring all devices to implement all protocols simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
Computer networking devices and controllers thereof may communicate via a secure tunnel. Aspects of the present disclosure provide methods, systems, and devices that facilitate establishment of such tunnels. For example, a method may include: generating, by a computer networking device, a tunneling capabilities message indicating a plurality of different tunnel types supported by the computer networking device; transmitting the tunneling capabilities message to a controller; receiving, from the controller, a tunneling selection response message indicating one of the plurality of different tunnel types; requesting, by the computer networking device, establishment of a tunnel of the one tunnel type indicated by the tunneling selection response message; and establishing the tunnel of the one tunnel type between the computer networking device and the controller.