Registration Server for DNS-Free Hostname Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for resolving hostnames in network testing environments, especially those involving firewalls, NATs, or clouds, are hindered by the absence of DNS infrastructure and the complexity of mapping hostnames to IP addresses, particularly in private networks and clouds.
Innovation Solution
A registration server operating in a public network receives packets with hostname and IP address information, initiates connections, and associates hostnames with IP addresses based on connection success, enabling hostname resolution independent of DNS servers and external tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If DNS infrastructure is used to resolve hostnames, then hostname resolution can be achieved in public networks, but it becomes inapplicable in private networks and cloud environments where DNS is not deployed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a registration server as an intermediary component that maintains hostname-to-IP mappings. Instead of relying on DNS infrastructure, the registration server receives hostname registration requests from endpoints and stores these mappings in a database, enabling hostname resolution in environments without DNS support
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the hostname resolution function from the DNS infrastructure and implements it as a standalone registration server system. This allows hostname resolution to be performed independently of DNS, making it applicable in private networks and cloud environments where DNS is not deployed
2Ease of operation
If IP addresses are used to identify hosts, then routing is straightforward, but network configuration changes require manual updates and reduce flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a mapping copy between hostnames and IP addresses in the registration server's database. This allows the system to work with flexible hostname identifiers while maintaining reliable routing by storing the corresponding IP address mappings, enabling automatic updates when IP addresses change
3Productivity
If conventional hostname resolution methods are used, then DNS queries can resolve hostnames, but additional external tools are needed in cloud environments and private networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines hostname registration, storage, and resolution functionality into a single registration server system. This integrated approach eliminates the need for separate external tools in cloud and private network environments, improving productivity by providing all hostname resolution capabilities within one system
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for facilitating the resolving of endpoint hostnames in test environments with firewalls, network address translators (NATs), or clouds is disclosed. According to one exemplary method, the method occurs at a registration server configured to operate in a public network. The method includes receiving, from a first endpoint, a packet including a payload containing a first address and a hostname associated with the first endpoint. The method also includes identifying a second address from a header of the packet. The method also includes initiating, using the second address, a connection to the first endpoint. The method also includes determining whether the connection is successful. The method further includes associating the hostname of the first endpoint with one of the first address and the second address based on results of the determination.