Network Layer Address Translator for IPv4 Session Scalability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional NAT methods restrict available port numbers, limiting session availability for users, especially in IPv4 environments, and fail to efficiently handle modern applications like VoIP, leading to restricted access and poor performance in multi-session access scenarios.
Innovation Solution
An address translator and method that perform address translation between private and global addresses at the network layer, using a network interface and address translation processor to apply translation information, enabling high availability and end-to-end duplex communications without port number restrictions, and supporting name resolution systems for efficient address management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional NAT manner is used to share global address with multiple users, then global address resource is saved, but available port numbers are restricted and session availability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimension for address translation by operating at the network layer (Layer 3) instead of the transport layer (Layer 4). This dimensional shift allows the use of private IP addresses in the IP header's source/destination address fields, creating a new namespace for address allocation that is independent of port number limitations. The network layer translation mechanism enables hundreds of simultaneous sessions per user without being constrained by the 65,535 port limit.
2Productivity
If port number sharing is implemented among multiple users, then global address utilization is improved, but communication reliability for modern applications like VoIP deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network layer address translation mechanism as an intermediary between private networks and the global Internet. This intermediary operates at Layer 3, translating private IP addresses to global IP addresses in the IP header, thereby mediating communication for applications like VoIP that require end-to-end connectivity. The network layer translation preserves communication reliability by maintaining address transparency and enabling direct routing, unlike transport layer NAT that disrupts end-to-end communication.
3Quantity of substance
If IPv6 is adopted to avoid address exhaustion, then address resource availability is improved, but device compatibility deteriorates due to lack of IPv6 support in terminal devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables IPv4 address conservation through self-service mechanisms at the network layer. The address translation system automatically translates private IPv4 addresses to global IPv4 addresses without requiring terminal devices to support IPv6. This self-service approach allows the network infrastructure to manage address allocation and translation transparently, maintaining device compatibility while conserving IPv4 address resources.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional NAT is used for address translation, then address translation capability is provided, but end-to-end duplex communication support deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the transport layer NAT mechanism with a network layer address translation mechanism. This substitution fundamentally changes how address translation is performed - instead of modifying transport layer headers and relying on port number mappings, the network layer mechanism translates IP addresses directly in the IP header. This replacement restores end-to-end communication capabilities by maintaining address transparency and enabling direct routing paths, while still providing address translation functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
An address translator carries out address translation between a private address and a global address on a source address or a destination address included in the header of a received packet. The translator includes an address translation processor for applying address translation information to the header area of the received packet on a network layer level and carrying out address translation on the network layer level by means of the address translation information. Thus, the translator can establish high transparency, high possibility to establish interconnection, impartial assurance for users, high throughput and high availability, and thus provide open measures minimizing interrupt actions of any communication as well as possible.