Shadow IP Mapping for Conflicting Private Network Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies are inadequate for facilitating seamless communication between private networks that use conflicting Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, particularly when Network Address Translation (NAT) is insufficient for inter-network communications.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a virtual computing device and bridge devices to allocate shadow IP addresses, intercept DNS requests, and apply mapping rules to enable communication between networks with conflicting IP addresses, employing a network exit point for dynamic routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Network Address Translation (NAT) is used to translate IP addresses, then communication between private networks and the public internet is enabled, but communication between two private networks with conflicting IP addresses is not supported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network exit point as an intermediary device between private networks with conflicting IP addresses. This exit point maintains a mapping table that translates shadow IP addresses to actual IP addresses, enabling communication between networks that would otherwise be incompatible. The exit point acts as a mediator that resolves the address conflict without requiring changes to the private networks themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the IP addressing system into two distinct layers: shadow IP addresses used within private networks for local communication, and actual IP addresses used for routing across different networks. This segmentation allows each private network to maintain its own addressing scheme independently while enabling inter-network communication through the mapping mechanism at the network exit point.
2Ease of manufacture
If the same IANA-reserved IP address blocks are used in multiple private networks, then each network can operate independently with standard private addressing, but routing between these networks becomes ambiguous and fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of IP address usage by introducing shadow IP addresses that differ from actual IP addresses. Private networks continue to use standard IANA-reserved blocks for local operations, but when traffic needs to route between networks, the shadow IP addresses are translated to unique actual IP addresses at the network exit point, resolving routing ambiguity while preserving local simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the IP addressing system where shadow IP addresses serve as local representations within private networks. These shadow addresses are copied from standard private IP blocks but are distinguished through the mapping mechanism at the network exit point, which translates them to unique actual addresses for inter-network routing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If shadow IP addresses are allocated for each private network, then communication between networks with conflicting IP addresses is enabled, but the system complexity increases due to mapping tables and translation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the network exit point automatically maintains and updates the mapping table between shadow IP addresses and actual IP addresses. The system performs translation operations autonomously based on incoming traffic patterns, reducing the need for manual configuration and management of the mapping relationships while enabling complex inter-network communication.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for facilitating communication between multiple private networks with conflicting IP addresses are provided. The system comprises a virtual computing device configured to allocate blocks of shadow IP addresses to first and second private networks. A first bridge device is connected to the first private network and configured to receive a packet from a first host in the first private network. The packet comprises a destination address corresponding to a second host in the second private network. The first bridge device is configured to route the packet to the virtual computing device if the destination address is in a block of shadow IP addresses. A second bridge device is connected to the second private network and configured to receive the packet from the virtual computing device and translate the destination address to a corresponding native IP address.