Network Provisioning Identifier Mapping Across LANs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network configurations limit access to services by restricting them to the local area network (LAN) to which a user device is connected, preventing seamless access to exclusive services across different networks.
Innovation Solution
The method involves storing and mapping identifiers associated with user devices to facilitate connections across different networks, allowing access to services as if the device were connected to the original network, through the use of address mapping pairs and identifiers like MAC addresses and IP addresses, enabling packet forwarding decisions based on provisioned local identifiers rather than VLAN tags or SSIDs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If services are restricted to local area network (LAN) only, then network security and exclusivity are maintained, but device mobility and service accessibility across different networks are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network device as an intermediary that receives local identifiers from a first network device, stores them in association with user equipment identifiers, and provides these stored local identifiers to second network devices. This intermediary mechanism enables user devices to access services across different networks while maintaining the illusion of being on the original LAN, thus improving service accessibility without significantly increasing complexity at the user device level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the local identifier (e.g., IP address) and associates it with the user equipment identifier in the network device. This copied local identifier is then provided to second network devices, allowing the user device to be recognized as if it were still connected to the first network. This copying approach enables seamless service access across networks while maintaining security through identifier association.
2Adaptability or versatility
If local identifiers are provisioned to user devices, then service accessibility across networks is improved, but network security and identifier management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by having the network device store the association between user equipment identifiers and local identifiers before the user device needs to access services across networks. This pre-established mapping allows secure identifier provision to second network devices without requiring real-time authentication or complex security checks during the service access process, thus maintaining security while enabling mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The network device acts as a security intermediary that controls the provisioning of local identifiers. It verifies user equipment identifiers against stored mappings and only provisions local identifiers to authorized devices. This intermediary role ensures that network security is maintained while still allowing legitimate device mobility and service access across different networks.
3Productivity
If packet forwarding decisions are based on local identifiers, then service accessibility is enhanced, but network device processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by having the network device pre-associate user equipment identifiers with local identifiers in a storage structure before packet forwarding is needed. When packets arrive at second network devices, the forwarding decisions can be made directly using the stored local identifier mappings, eliminating the need for complex real-time processing or authentication during packet forwarding, thus enhancing service availability without significantly increasing processing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for managing a network are disclosed. One method can comprise storing an identifier associated with one or more of a user device and a first network device. The first network device can be at a first location and can be configured to establish a connection between the user device and a first network. A request to connect can be received from the user device via a second network. The identifier can be provided in response to the request, wherein the identifier facilitates data transmission as if the user device was connected to the first network via the first network device.