Network Device Prefix Translation for Single Host IPv6 Address
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Solution Overview
Problem
When multiple WAN interfaces are used in network devices, existing techniques require host devices connected to VLAN interfaces to manage multiple IPv6 addresses, leading to resource consumption and traffic loss when the primary WAN interface is unavailable, as they cannot determine which interface is active.
Innovation Solution
A network device delegates different prefix lengths to a primary and backup WAN interface, allowing it to provide host devices with a single network address on a virtual interface, eliminating the need for multiple IPv6 addresses by translating traffic between prefixes when the primary WAN interface is unavailable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple IPv6 prefixes are delegated to WAN interfaces for redundancy, then service availability is improved, but host devices cannot determine which interface is active leading to traffic loss
Solution Approach 1:
The network device acts as an intermediary between host devices and multiple WAN interfaces. It maintains a single delegated prefix and performs prefix translation to communicate with multiple WAN interfaces, while host devices remain unaware of the multiple interfaces. This mediator approach allows service redundancy without requiring host devices to manage multiple addresses or determine active interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of prefix delegation from multiple prefixes (one per WAN interface) to a single delegated prefix. The network device then dynamically translates this single prefix to appropriate WAN interface prefixes based on active interface status. This parameter change simplifies host device configuration while maintaining the ability to switch between multiple WAN interfaces for redundancy.
2Reliability
If multiple IPv6 addresses are assigned to host devices for multi-interface support, then interface redundancy is achieved, but computing and networking resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The network device provides multi-functionality by simultaneously supporting a single IPv6 address space for host devices while managing multiple WAN interfaces. The prefix translation mechanism allows one delegated prefix to serve multiple WAN interfaces, eliminating the need for host devices to have multiple addresses. This universal approach consolidates resource usage while maintaining redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The network device serves as an intermediary that abstracts the complexity of multiple WAN interfaces from host devices. By maintaining a single delegated prefix and handling prefix translation internally, the network device eliminates the need for host devices to consume resources managing multiple addresses, while still providing interface redundancy through the translation layer.
3Ease of operation
If a single prefix is delegated to the network device, then host device configuration is simplified, but the network device cannot support multiple WAN interfaces with redundancy
Solution Approach 1:
The network device acts as an intermediary that receives a single delegated prefix from the service provider and translates it to multiple WAN interface prefixes. This intermediary function allows the network device to support multiple WAN interfaces with redundancy while host devices continue to use a single, simplified prefix configuration. The translation layer maintains the simplicity benefit while enabling redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the parameter structure from multiple delegated prefixes (complex for hosts) to a single delegated prefix (simple for hosts). The network device then performs parameter transformation through prefix translation, converting the single prefix into appropriate addresses for multiple WAN interfaces. This parameter change maintains ease of operation at the host level while enabling redundancy at the network device level.
Data Source
AI summary
A network device may delegate a first prefix length to a primary WAN interface and delegate a second prefix length to a backup WAN interface. The network device may assign a first primary prefix and a first backup prefix to a first VLAN interface and may assign a second primary prefix and a second backup prefix to a second VLAN interface. The network device may provide egress traffic from host devices, connected to the first VLAN interface and to the second VLAN interface, to the primary WAN interface and without prefix translation, when the primary WAN interface is available. The network device may provide ingress traffic to the host devices, via the primary WAN interface and without prefix translation, when the primary WAN interface is available.