Extensible Network Interoperability via Abstraction Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network devices face challenges in interoperability across multiple networking technologies, particularly when new technologies are developed, as they often require revisions to existing standards, limiting compatibility with both legacy and newly developed technologies.
Innovation Solution
The system implements an extensible interoperability framework that utilizes a common abstraction layer, allowing network devices to access communication protocol information through a local data store or a remote server, enabling devices to communicate regardless of the networking technology used, including those not supported by the original standard, and ensuring backwards compatibility with legacy devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network devices support multiple networking technologies through standard revisions, then interoperability with legacy devices is maintained, but adaptability to newly developed technologies is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary abstraction layer between network devices and specific networking technologies. This abstraction layer acts as a mediator that translates between device-specific protocols and a universal interface, enabling interoperability without requiring standard revisions. The abstraction layer includes components such as a protocol translator and adapter registry that facilitate communication between diverse network technologies while maintaining the original standards intact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal abstraction layer that can interface with multiple networking technologies simultaneously. This multi-functional layer provides a common set of operations and data structures that work across different network technologies (e.g., Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, emerging technologies) without requiring technology-specific implementations. The universal interface includes standardized methods for device discovery, connection management, and data transmission that accommodate both legacy and emerging technologies.
2Reliability
If network devices use a fixed standard for communication, then reliability of communication is ensured, but adaptability to new technologies is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic adaptation mechanism where the abstraction layer can automatically adjust its behavior based on the detected network technology. The system includes dynamic protocol selection logic that identifies the active networking technology and configures appropriate translation rules and adapters in real-time. This dynamic approach maintains reliable communication by ensuring that the correct protocol mappings are active while allowing seamless support for emerging technologies without compromising established communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the abstraction layer to accommodate different networking technologies. The system dynamically modifies operational parameters such as data rate, packet format, and timing characteristics based on the detected network technology. These parameter adjustments occur transparently within the abstraction layer, maintaining reliable communication at the application level while adapting to the specific requirements of each networking technology, including newly developed ones.
3Speed
If communication protocol information is stored locally, then access speed is fast, but extensibility to new technologies is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested storage architecture where protocol information is organized in hierarchical layers. The inner layer contains frequently accessed protocol parameters stored locally in device memory for fast access. The outer layer contains extensive protocol definitions and adapter configurations stored remotely on a server or in cloud storage. The abstraction layer intelligently caches commonly used protocol information locally while maintaining the ability to retrieve additional or updated protocol definitions from remote sources, combining the speed of local access with the extensibility of remote storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary caching of protocol information for anticipated networking technologies. The system proactively pre-loads and caches protocol definitions and adapter configurations for both existing and potentially emerging network technologies into local memory. This preliminary action ensures that when a new technology is detected or activated, the necessary protocol information is already available locally for immediate use, eliminating access delays while maintaining extensibility through the ability to load additional technologies as needed.
Data Source
AI summary
The subject system allows network devices utilizing any number of networking technologies (including to-be-developed technologies) to access a common abstraction layer and/or the network operations facilitated by a common abstraction layer. The subject system allows a device that is added to a network to communicate whether existing devices on the network should retrieve communication protocol information for facilitating communication with the added device from a remote server. For example, the devices may locally store communication protocol information for certain network technologies, e.g. legacy network technologies, while information corresponding to other network technologies may not be locally stored. The added device may provide a resource locator to the existing devices for accessing the communication protocol information from the remote server. The existing network devices may retrieve the communication protocol information via the resource locator, and may utilize the communication protocol information to facilitate communication with the added device.