Configurable Networking Framework Extensibility Points

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Solution Overview

Problem

The rapidly evolving networking industry often requires independent software vendors (ISVs) and independent hardware vendors (IHVs) to develop customized applications to implement new functionalities not supported by existing operating systems, leading to substantial development costs and inconsistencies in user experience due to the need to replace or extend native networking software.

Innovation Solution

A networked computer with a configurable networking framework that includes extensibility points and a mechanism for receiving plug-ins, allowing selective execution of extensibility functions based on profile information for each network connection, enabling ISVs to add customizations without replacing the entire networking software.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If ISVs develop customized applications to implement new functionalities, then new networking functions can be implemented, but development costs and device complexity increase substantially

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenew networking functionsVSAvoiddevelopment costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The operating system networking stack is designed with extensibility points that allow multiple functions to be implemented through a common framework. ISVs can add proprietary extensions, security features, and new protocols without requiring separate customized applications, as the universal extensibility mechanism handles all extensions through standardized interfaces and plug-in architectures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The networking software is segmented into modular components with defined extensibility points. Instead of requiring complete customized applications, the system divides networking functionality into standard core operations and extensible plug-in modules. This segmentation allows ISVs to implement only the specific new functions needed rather than developing entire customized networking stacks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If ISVs replace substantial portions of existing operating system networking services, then new functionalities can be implemented, but user experience consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenew functionalitiesVSAvoiduser experience consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The extensibility points and profile mechanism serve as intermediaries between the standard networking stack and ISV extensions. Rather than ISVs replacing core networking services directly, their extensions are mediated through standardized interfaces that maintain consistent user experience while enabling new functionalities. The profile system mediates between different extension types, ensuring uniform behavior across diverse implementations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If complete customized applications are developed for new networking features, then functionality can be extended, but development time and productivity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality extensionVSAvoiddevelopment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The extensibility framework and profile system are preliminarily established in the operating system before ISVs need to add functionality. Pre-defined extensibility points, standardized interfaces, and profile templates are prepared in advance, allowing ISVs to rapidly implement new features by simply configuring and registering their extensions rather than developing complete customized applications from scratch.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple customized applications are used for different networking extensions, then specific functions can be implemented, but ease of operation and maintenance are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetworking extensionsVSAvoidmaintenance complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple networking extensions from different ISVs are merged into a unified extensibility framework managed by the profile system. Instead of requiring separate customized applications for each extension, all extensions are combined and coordinated through the common profile mechanism, which centrally manages configuration, activation, and interaction between different extensions, greatly simplifying operation and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8051191B2Ethernet extensibility

Publication Date: 2011.11.01 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

A networked computer with a networking framework that can operate in accordance with a standard protocol or may be configured to perform one or more functions that alter or extend processing according to the standard. The framework includes extensibility points and a mechanism to receive plug-ins that may perform extensibility functions. Network profile information indicates configuration of the extensibility points, including specific extensibility functions to be executed at the extensibility points. This information may be used to configure the extensibility points so that, as the computer operates, the extensibility functions are selectively executed instead of or in addition to standard functions.