Network Forwarding Component and Independent Application Components Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional network devices face challenges in integrating components with different service capabilities due to interoperability issues and high costs, as existing methods are not suitable for network communications, leading to inefficiencies in service processing and management.

Innovation Solution

The Open Application Architecture (OAA) system, which includes a Network Forwarding Component (NFC) and Independent Application Components (IACs) connected via Interface Linkage Components (ILCs), enables communication and cooperation between components through defined cooperation modes and configuration information, enhancing interoperability and service diversity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple network devices with different service capabilities are interconnected to carry out service procedures, then service diversity is improved, but device cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice diversityVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple network devices with different service capabilities into a single network device by integrating independent application components (IACs) that can be dynamically loaded and unloaded, allowing the system to provide diverse services without requiring multiple separate physical devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The network device is designed with a universal architecture that can perform multiple service procedures through collaboration between the network forwarding component and various independent application components, enabling a single device to replace multiple specialized devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple network devices from different manufacturers are interconnected, then service capabilities are enhanced, but interoperability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice capabilitiesVSAvoidinteroperability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments service capabilities into independent, standardized application components that can be independently developed, tested, and integrated, ensuring interoperability through standardized interfaces while maintaining service diversity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses configurable parameters and standardized communication protocols that allow components from different manufacturers to work together seamlessly by changing operational parameters rather than requiring custom integration for each manufacturer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple network devices are interconnected for service processing, then service functionality is improved, but management and maintenance difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice functionalityVSAvoidmanagement convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By consolidating multiple service functions into a single network device with modular components, the system simplifies management and maintenance operations while maintaining diverse service functionality, as administrators only need to manage one device rather than multiple interconnected devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of manufacture

If PCI bus connection method is used for integrating components, then component integration is simplified, but applicability to network communication deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent integrationVSAvoidnetwork communication applicability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer of standardized communication protocols and interface definitions between the network forwarding component and application components, adapting the integration approach to suit network communication requirements while maintaining ease of component integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2068498B1Method and network device for communicating between different components

Publication Date: 2017.12.13 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP

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AI summary

The present invention discloses a method for communication among different components, including integrating a Network Forwarding Component (NFC) for forwarding messages and at least one Independent Application Component (IAC) for performing other service processing into one network device; setting at least one cooperation mode and cooperation mode-related configuration information in the NFC and each of the at least one IAC; and communicating with each other, by the NFC and the at least one IAC, according to the at least one cooperation mode and the cooperation mode-related configuration information.. The cooperation mode may be any or any combination of a host mode, a mirror mode, a redirection mode and a pass-through mode. According to the present invention, the NFC and the IAC may communicate according to the cooperation mode so as to ensure that the NFC and the IAC can cooperate to provide various service capabilities including message forwarding and other additional service capabilities.