N-way Packet Routing via Protocol Conversion Containers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current network protocols, such as IPv4 and IPv6, face challenges in seamless communication across different network environments due to protocol incompatibilities, limiting the ability of local networks using one protocol to efficiently communicate with remote networks using another protocol.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that employs a router host with multiple containers, each associated with a remote network, and virtual network interface cards (VNICs) to classify and convert packets between IPv6 and IPv4 protocols, enabling communication across an intermediate IPv4 network for IPv6 networks, using converters to embed and extract packets between the two protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network packets are transmitted directly between IPv6 networks, then communication efficiency is improved, but protocol incompatibility prevents communication across IPv4 intermediate networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate network layer that acts as a mediator between IPv6 networks and IPv4 networks. This intermediate layer includes protocol converters that translate packets between IPv6 and IPv4 formats, enabling communication between networks using different protocols without requiring direct compatibility between them.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the protocol parameter of network packets dynamically. When packets arrive from IPv6 networks, they are converted to IPv4 format for transmission across the intermediate network, and then converted back to IPv6 format for the destination network. This parameter transformation enables protocol compatibility across heterogeneous networks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple remote networks are supported simultaneously, then network versatility is improved, but packet routing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the routing function by creating separate routing tables for different remote networks. Each routing table is associated with a specific remote network and contains routing information relevant to that network. This segmentation allows the system to manage multiple networks independently, reducing the complexity of routing decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal routing mechanism that can handle multiple network types through a single interface. The routing processor uses a unified approach to route packets to different remote networks via the intermediate network, eliminating the need for separate routing mechanisms for each network type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If packets are converted between protocols at the network interface, then protocol compatibility is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring routing tables and protocol conversion parameters before packet arrival. The routing information for multiple remote networks is prepared in advance, allowing packets to be routed and converted more quickly upon arrival without requiring real-time decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for routing packets. The method includes receiving a first packet from an intermediate network by a first network interface card (NIC) operatively connected to a host, where the first packet originates from a first remote network, where the first NIC is operatively connected to the intermediate network, and where the first packet, the intermediate network, and the first NIC use a first network protocol. The method further includes classifying, by the first NIC, the first packet based on the first remote network, sending the first packet to a first receive ring in the first NIC, sending the first packet from the first receive ring to a first non-global container, and converting the first packet, using a first converter located in the first non-global container, to obtain a first converted packet, where the first converted packet and the first remote network use a second network protocol.