SCTP Packet Identification via Feature Tuple Matching

The patent changes the identification parameters from a single quintuple (source IP, destination IP, source port, destination port, protocol) to a feature set that includes multiple quintuples and verification tags. This parameter expansion allows the system to handle multi-homing scenarios where multiple IP addresses and ports can be used within the same SCTP association, thereby improving identification accuracy without significantly complicating the implementation.

The patent introduces a new dimension to packet identification by incorporating verification tags (V_tag) into the identification process. The feature set tuple now includes not only the traditional quintuple information but also the V_tag, which is unique to each SCTP association. This additional dimension enables reliable identification even when multiple IP addresses and ports are involved in the same association.

The patent merges multiple identification criteria into a single feature set tuple structure. Instead of treating each quintuple separately, the system combines source IP address set, destination IP address set, source port set, destination port set, and verification tag into a unified feature set that represents an entire SCTP association. This merging approach allows the system to handle multiple quintuples while maintaining accurate identification through the combined feature set.

The verification tag (V_tag) acts as an intermediary element that uniquely identifies an SCTP association regardless of which IP addresses or ports are used. The V_tag serves as a mediator between the multiple quintuples and the actual association, allowing the system to correctly identify packets even when multiple IP addresses and ports are involved in the same association.