Network Node Architecture for Multi-Domain Service Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional networks face scalability issues and inefficiencies in handling large network growth and node mobility, preventing nodes from concurrently accessing services from multiple distinct service domains.

Innovation Solution

A network framework that allows nodes to be members of multiple social networks by maintaining a selected mesh of connections and using virtual nodes with services engines, communications engines, and transport engines to facilitate concurrent access to services across different enterprises, enabling efficient communication and service utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional hierarchical networks are used, then network structure is simple and easy to manage, but scalability is poor and cannot accommodate large network growth

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork scalabilityVSAvoidnetwork structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network into service domains (SDs) and service instances (SIs), allowing independent scaling of each domain. Each SD can grow independently without affecting the entire network, resolving the scalability issue while maintaining manageable structure through modular organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces service discovery mechanisms and location services as intermediaries that enable nodes to automatically discover and connect to services without manual configuration. This mediation layer simplifies the complexity of service discovery and network convergence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If nodes tunnel back to their home enterprise network, then hierarchy is maintained and security is improved, but communication efficiency deteriorates when nodes are physically close

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork securityVSAvoidcommunication efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic routing where nodes can dynamically choose between tunneling to home network or using local service domains based on real-time conditions. When nodes are physically close and local services are available, direct communication is preferred for efficiency; when security requires it, tunneling is used. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between security and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If nodes can join multiple enterprise networks simultaneously, then service accessibility is improved, but network management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice accessibilityVSAvoidnetwork management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal service domain framework where nodes can join multiple SDs and SIs simultaneously through standardized interfaces. The service discovery mechanism provides universal access to services across different domains without requiring domain-specific management protocols, enabling multi-network membership while simplifying management through uniform procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If full mesh connections are established between all nodes, then communication reliability is improved, but network complexity and resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidconnection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple connection paths through service domains and instances, allowing nodes to access services through shared infrastructure rather than dedicated point-to-point connections. This consolidation maintains communication reliability through multiple logical paths while reducing physical connection complexity and resource consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2070261B1Internetworking nodes based on connections, membership, and location
Publication Date: 2023.07.26 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC
  • EP2070261B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2070261B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2070261B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4A

AI summary

Methods and apparatus for inter-networking nodes are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a node arrangement (204) includes a services engine (208), a communiations engine (212), and a transport engine (216). The services engine (208) includes at least a first service domain (228) that provides at least one service associated with a first community of interest. The communications engine (212) provides at least a first forwarding table (230) which is associated with the first commonly of interest and arranged to support reachability for the first service domain (228). The transport engine (216) manages the zero or more exterior connections associated with the node arrangement.