Session Exchange Device Address Translation Module
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network address translation (NAT) devices are not capable of translating IP addresses from one network space to another, particularly within a session exchange device or across virtual partitions defined within such a device, leading to compatibility issues and network processing collisions.
Innovation Solution
A session exchange device equipped with an address translation module that intercepts and translates IP addresses between external and internal network processing regions, using virtual partition identifiers to replace external IP addresses with internal ones and vice versa, ensuring unique IP address spaces for network processing, even when virtual partitions share overlapping address spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If virtual partitions share overlapping IP address spaces to improve resource utilization and flexibility, then address space efficiency is improved, but network processing collisions occur and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an address translation module as an intermediary between virtual partitions with overlapping IP address spaces. This module translates IP addresses from different virtual partitions to unique addresses in a shared address space, preventing collisions while allowing virtual partitions to maintain their own addressing schemes. The translation module acts as a mediator that enables address space efficiency without compromising reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If NAT devices translate IP addresses between different network address spaces to improve network compatibility, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the session exchange device universal by integrating address translation capabilities directly into its existing architecture. Rather than requiring separate NAT devices for different translation scenarios, the session exchange device performs multiple functions: session exchange, virtual partition management, and address translation. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining broad network compatibility.
3Reliability
If separate address spaces are used for each virtual partition to prevent collisions and improve reliability, then network processing reliability is improved, but address space utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the address translation function by virtual partition identifier. The address translation module maintains separate translation contexts for each virtual partition, allowing independent address space management. This segmentation enables reliable collision prevention through proper address mapping while allowing virtual partitions to share a common physical address space, improving overall address space utilization efficiency.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving an IP packet associated with a first virtual partition defined at a session exchange device. The first virtual partition is associated with a first IP address space. The method also includes receiving an IP packet associated with a second virtual partition defined at the session exchange device. The second virtual partition is associated with a second IP address space having a portion that corresponds with the first IP address space. The IP packet associated with the first virtual partition is modified such that the IP packet associated with the first virtual partition has an IP address value from a third IP address space different from the portion of the second IP address space.