Packet Communication Apparatus Dynamic IP Rule Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

In small-scale networks like those in households or SOHO environments, it is challenging to distinguish and perform packet processing for multiple terminals connected to the same network, as the input interface, port number, and transmission source IP address are often indistinguishable and dynamically changed by DHCP, making it difficult to appropriately distribute packets and perform filtering or traffic control.

Innovation Solution

A packet communication device equipped with a routing unit that distributes packets to any path and a control unit capable of acquiring the terminal's IP address and setting application rules for packet processing based on the IP address, allowing for dynamic adaptation to changes in IP addresses and enabling packet distribution, filtering, and traffic control for each terminal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If packet distribution is performed based on input I/F, port number, or transmission source IP address in a small-scale network, then packet processing can be implemented, but it becomes difficult to distinguish terminals and perform appropriate packet processing when terminals share the same network and IP addresses are dynamically changed by DHCP

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepacket processing capabilityVSAvoidterminal identification difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by acquiring the terminal's IP address before packet distribution occurs. The control unit obtains the IP address through DHCP lease information or packet capture, and pre-configures routing rules in the routing unit based on this IP address. This allows the system to be prepared for accurate packet processing before the actual packet flow begins, resolving the timing issue where IP addresses change dynamically during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit continuously monitors DHCP lease information and packet capture data to detect changes in terminal IP addresses. When an IP address change is detected, the system provides feedback by automatically updating the routing rules in the routing unit. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that packet distribution rules remain synchronized with current terminal IP addresses, maintaining accurate terminal identification despite dynamic IP assignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If DHCP is used for dynamic IP address assignment in small-scale networks, then network flexibility is improved, but terminal distinction and packet processing become difficult due to changing IP addresses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork flexibilityVSAvoidpacket processing reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit acquires terminal IP addresses through DHCP lease information before packets are routed. By obtaining the IP address assignment in advance and configuring routing rules proactively, the system ensures that packet processing rules are ready and accurate before actual data flow occurs, maintaining reliability despite the dynamic nature of DHCP assignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous monitoring of DHCP lease information to detect IP address changes. When changes are detected, the control unit automatically updates routing rules through feedback mechanisms. This ensures that packet processing reliability is maintained by keeping routing information synchronized with current terminal states, even as DHCP dynamically reassigns addresses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If multiple terminals are connected to the same network in a small-scale base, then network simplicity is improved, but the ability to perform individual packet processing for each terminal deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork configuration simplicityVSAvoidindividual terminal packet processing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments packet processing by creating distinct routing rules for each terminal based on their individual IP addresses. The routing unit is divided into multiple routing entries, each associated with a specific terminal's IP address. This segmentation allows the system to maintain a simple overall network structure while enabling individualized packet processing for each terminal through IP-address-specific routing rules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies local quality by configuring specific packet processing rules for each terminal's IP address within the routing unit. Each routing rule is tailored to handle packets from or to a specific terminal, allowing individualized processing (such as different priorities, filtering rules, or path selections) for each terminal while maintaining a unified network infrastructure. This enables terminal-specific customization without complicating the overall network architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20230344761A1Packet communication apparatus, packet processing rule setting method and program
Publication Date: 2023.10.26 NT T INC
  • US20230344761A1 patent drawing
  • US20230344761A1 patent drawing
  • US20230344761A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A packet communication device connected to one or more paths includes a routing unit that distributes packets received from a terminal to any one of the one or more paths, and a control unit that acquires an IP address of the terminal and sets an application rule for packet processing in the routing unit on the basis of the IP address.