Proxy Server Protocol Translation for Software Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Software programs with different communication protocols are unable to communicate effectively with each other, as they employ incompatible languages, leading to costly and technically challenging implementations of multiple protocols.
Innovation Solution
A proxy system is implemented to facilitate communication between software programs by translating messages between different communication protocols, such as ONC.RPC, SOAP, and SNMP, allowing them to exchange messages despite protocol incompatibilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If software programs implement multiple communication protocols to enable communication between different programs, then communication compatibility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a proxy server as an intermediary component that implements multiple communication protocols. The proxy server receives messages from a first software program using its native protocol, translates the message format, and forwards it to a second software program using the latter's protocol. This mediator approach allows both software programs to maintain their original protocols while achieving compatibility through the proxy, thus improving communication compatibility without increasing the complexity of the software programs themselves.
2Ease of manufacture
If software programs use different communication protocols, then program independence and ease of manufacture are improved, but communication reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy server acts as a reliable intermediary that ensures communication between software programs with different protocols. It implements protocol translation and message format conversion, guaranteeing that messages are correctly transmitted and interpreted between programs using different protocols. This maintains program independence while ensuring communication reliability through the proxy's protocol compatibility layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The proxy server is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple communication protocols simultaneously. It can implement various protocols (such as ONC.RPC, SOAP, SNMP, and custom protocols) within a single system, allowing it to serve as a universal communication bridge between different software programs. This universal approach ensures reliable communication across diverse protocols while keeping individual programs simple and independent.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a proxy is introduced to translate between different communication protocols, then communication compatibility is improved, but processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy server performs protocol translation and message format conversion in advance, before the actual communication exchange between software programs. By pre-configuring protocol handlers and message templates, the proxy can quickly translate messages using pre-compiled conversion rules, reducing the processing time during actual communication. This preliminary preparation minimizes the overhead introduced by protocol translation.
Solution Approach 2:
The proxy server efficiently manages parameter changes during protocol translation by identifying and converting only the necessary message parameters that differ between protocols. Instead of translating entire message structures, it selectively transforms specific parameters (such as header formats, data types, or protocol-specific fields), reducing the computational overhead and processing time required for protocol conversion.
Data Source
AI summary
One example method includes receiving a message from a first software program using a first communication protocol and identifying a second software program that is an intended recipient of the message. The example method further includes identifying a second communication protocol associated with the intended recipient, where the second communication protocol is incompatible with the first communication protocol such that the first software program and the second software program cannot communicate directly with each other. Finally, the example method includes transmitting the message to the second software program using the second communication protocol.