Packet Instructions for Dynamic Network Resource Manipulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network technologies lack the ability to dynamically process packets in information-centric networks (ICN) and content-centric networks (CCN) based on instructions embedded within the packets, limiting flexibility and efficiency in resource manipulation and routing.

Innovation Solution

A packet-forwarding device that executes instructions included in the packet's header or payload to manipulate resources such as creating, reading, updating, or deleting entries in forwarding information bases, pending interest tables, and content stores, allowing packets to be processed as either Interests or Content Objects, and configuring routing and bandwidth settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If packets are processed based on preprogrammed instructions at network nodes, then network control is stable and predictable, but flexibility and adaptability in resource manipulation are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in packet processingVSAvoidpacket processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts control instructions from the packet payload itself rather than having them embedded in the network node's preprogrammed logic. This allows the packet to carry its own processing instructions, enabling flexible adaptation without requiring complex reconfiguration of network nodes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The packet structure is designed to be universal, carrying both data and instructions that can manipulate various network resources (routing tables, bandwidth allocations, quality of service parameters). This multi-functional approach allows a single packet format to handle diverse network control tasks without requiring specialized processing logic for each case.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If packets carry instructions to manipulate network resources, then resource management becomes dynamic and efficient, but security risks and access control complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource management efficiencyVSAvoidnetwork security
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary authentication and access control checks before executing instructions carried in packets. Network nodes verify the sender's authority and the packet's integrity prior to manipulating resources, preventing unauthorized operations while maintaining dynamic resource management capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary verification mechanism where network nodes act as mediators between packet carriers and network resources. The nodes validate instructions against security policies and resource access rules before execution, ensuring secure resource manipulation without compromising management efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If separate packet types are used for Interests and Content Objects, then packet processing is straightforward and reliable, but network protocol complexity and processing overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol complexityVSAvoidpacket processing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the handling of Interests and Content Objects into a unified packet processing framework. By using a common packet structure with type indicators and instruction fields, the system can process both packet types through the same logic path, reducing protocol complexity while maintaining clear distinction between different packet functions through embedded metadata.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2869535B1Carrying instructions in packets in a named data network
Publication Date: 2018.05.02 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC
  • EP2869535B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2869535B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP2869535B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~2D

AI summary

A device in an information-centric network or a named-data network can process commands from a packet on one or more local resources. During operation, the device can receive a packet that includes a name or name prefix, and additionally can include a header comprising one or more resource fields that each can include instructions that perform an operation on a corresponding resource. The device can select, from the packet, a resource field that includes instructions to be executed on a corresponding resource. The device can analyze the resource field to determine an instruction that corresponds to the resource, and executes the instruction to perform the operation on the resource. The device can also analyze access control information from the packet's header, and determines whether the access control information grants the packet permission to access the resource prior to performing the operation on the resource.