Network Protocol Stack Emulation for Cross-OS Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network software operating systems are not fully compatible with each other, making it difficult to operate network hardware and software designed for one system on a different operating system, and there is a need for techniques to run network applications on a host computer using a target protocol stack that is not natively available.
Innovation Solution
The use of a Universal Protocol Adaptor (UPA) and Universal Device Interface Adaptor (UDIA) allows network applications to run on a host computer by diverting interface calls to a target protocol stack, emulating the necessary protocol and device interfaces, enabling compatibility and transparency without requiring modifications to the application or operating system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network applications are designed for a specific network operating system, then they can operate efficiently on that system, but they cannot be operated on computer networks utilizing different operating systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protocol stack emulator as an intermediary layer between the network application and the host operating system. This emulator intercepts interface calls from the application and translates them into calls compatible with the host OS's protocol stack, enabling applications designed for one network operating system to run on computers with different operating systems without modification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the target protocol stack environment within the host operating system. By emulating the protocol stack behavior and interface characteristics of a specific network operating system, the system allows applications to interact with a replicated environment that mimics their native operating system, thereby achieving cross-platform compatibility
2Reliability
If physical installations of different protocol stacks are performed on multiple computers, then compatibility testing can be conducted, but costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of physically installing multiple protocol stacks on separate computers, the patent emulates the target protocol stack within the host operating system environment. This virtual replication allows compatibility testing to be performed on a single computer, eliminating the need for multiple physical installations while maintaining testing accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The protocol stack emulator is designed to provide multiple protocol stack environments within a single host operating system. This multi-functional capability allows a single computer to simulate multiple different network operating system environments, enabling comprehensive compatibility testing without requiring separate physical installations for each protocol stack
Data Source
AI summary
A network application may be run on a host computer using a target protocol stack by launching a network application on the host computer, opening a target protocol stack library on the host computer before opening a host computer system library and using the target protocol stack library to divert interface calls associated with the network application to a target protocol stack, whereby the network application runs on the host computer as if it were running directly on a computer on which the target protocol stack is available. A network environment may be simulated including wireless communication between a plurality of mobile devices. Multiple instances of the target protocol stack library may be opened to divert interface calls associated with the network application to the target protocol stack. A hardware test bed may be emulated to which the network application may be applied.