Region-Based NAT Bridging for Endpoint Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited number of IPv4 type IP addresses leads to insufficient public IP addresses for unique identification of endpoints in private networks, necessitating network address translation (NAT) to allow multiple endpoints to communicate on a public network using a single public IP address.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of region-based NAT systems that use different sets of public IP addresses for different geographic regions, with a processing circuit determining the geographic region of an endpoint and assigning available ports for NAT, enabling effective communication between public and private networks through analog-telephone bridging circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If network address translation (NAT) is used to allow multiple endpoints to communicate on a public network using a single public IP address, then the number of endpoints that can communicate on the public network increases, but the ability to uniquely identify each endpoint deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single public IP address into multiple virtual ports, where each virtual port is uniquely assigned to a specific endpoint. This segmentation allows the public IP address to be divided into multiple communication channels, each identifiable by a unique port number, thereby resolving the identification problem while supporting multiple endpoints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension (port number) to the existing IP address system. Instead of relying solely on IP addresses for endpoint identification, the system adds port numbers as a secondary identifier, creating a two-dimensional identification space (IP address + port number) that enables unique endpoint identification even when multiple endpoints share the same public IP address.
2Measurement precision
If region-based NAT is implemented to route calls based on geographic location, then call routing accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-establishing region-based routing rules and virtual port mappings before actual call routing occurs. The system pre-configures which virtual ports correspond to which geographic regions, allowing for efficient and accurate call routing without requiring complex real-time decision-making, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining high routing accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods are disclosed for bridging communications between a private network and a public network. A mapping that associates a first set of IP addresses of endpoints in the private network with a second set of IP addresses of endpoints in the public network is provided which enables communications between the private network and public network for network-address-translation (NAT). In response to a data packet having a first IP address of the first set of IP addresses, the data packet is used to determine whether the local line should be accessed. In response to an indication that the local line should be accessed, the identifier among the second set of IP addresses may be used to activate bridging (e.g., ATB) circuit and redirect a call associated with the data packet by passing the data packet through the ATB circuit.