Relay Server VLAN Group Management for Dynamic Virtual Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing relay communication systems face challenges in dynamically creating a virtual network with expandability and flexibility, particularly in sharing identification information among client terminals and relay servers to enable seamless communication across multiple LANs.
Innovation Solution
The system employs relay servers with a control unit that creates and manages VLAN group information, allowing client terminals to function as VLAN devices, enabling dynamic creation of virtual networks by establishing VLAN sessions across multiple LANs through relay servers acting as hubs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If identification information of client terminals is shared across the entire network to enable communication, then communication among client terminals is enabled, but network complexity and difficulty in managing identification information increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into multiple VLAN groups, where each relay server manages identification information only for its local VLAN group rather than the entire network. This segmentation reduces the scope of information sharing and management complexity while maintaining communication capability within each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay server acts as an intermediary that manages and translates identification information between different VLAN groups. Instead of direct sharing across the entire network, the relay server mediates communication by maintaining local association information and coordinating with other relay servers, thereby reducing overall network complexity.
2Reliability
If a VPN is used to construct a virtual network, then remote LANs can communicate as if directly connected, but expandability and flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic VLAN group creation where relay servers can dynamically join and leave VLAN groups based on communication needs. This dynamic structure allows the virtual network to expand and contract flexibly, overcoming the static nature of traditional VPN configurations and enabling easy network reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay server is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a communication relay and as a dynamic member of multiple VLAN groups. This universal design allows the same infrastructure to support various network configurations and expansion scenarios, enhancing both adaptability and versatility.
3Reliability
If relay servers share association information across the entire network, then communication relaying is enabled, but information security and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments association information into local VLAN group contexts rather than sharing it network-wide. Each relay server maintains association information only for its local VLAN group members, reducing the exposure and security risks of sensitive identification information while still enabling effective communication relaying within the segment.
Data Source
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AI summary
A virtual network is dynamically created in the event of constructing a relay communication system. Between a first relay server and a second relay server, a VLAN device information sharing unit shares VLAN device information including interface information of client terminals capable of functioning as VLAN devices in a relay group. A VLAN group information creation unit edits the VLAN device information, thereby creating VLAN group information formed by grouping the client terminals indicated in the VLAN device information. A VLAN group information sharing unit shares the VLAN group information among the first relay server, the second relay server, the client terminal connected to the first relay server, and the client terminal connected to the second relay server.