Simulation Node Tags for External Access in Network Simulations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Simulated network devices within a network simulation have limited accessibility from outside the simulation, making configuration and management difficult due to reliance on manual firewall configuration and limited IP addresses.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing simulation node tags with semantic meanings to instruct a network simulation controller to automatically configure firewall rules and access simulated devices through NAT or firewall devices, enabling external access and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If simulated network devices are interconnected within the network simulation for operational purposes, then the network simulation functionality is improved, but the accessibility from outside the simulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (simulation node tags with NAT functionality) that mediates between the simulated network devices and external networks. This intermediary allows external access while maintaining the internal network simulation structure, resolving the contradiction between network functionality and external accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network access problem by creating distinct layers: internal simulated network devices, simulation controller with NAT functionality, and external network. This segmentation allows each layer to operate independently while maintaining controlled access between them.
2Reliability
If manual firewall configuration is used to access simulated network devices, then security is maintained, but the complexity of configuration and management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The simulation controller automatically performs firewall configuration and NAT rule management based on simulation node tags. This self-service approach eliminates manual firewall configuration while maintaining security, as the system autonomously manages access control rules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring simulation node tags with embedded access control information before network operations begin. This allows the simulation controller to automatically generate appropriate firewall and NAT rules in advance, eliminating complex manual configuration during operation.
3Device complexity
If limited IP addresses are used in the network simulation, then the simulation environment is simplified, but the accessibility and management capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the IP address parameter management by implementing NAT functionality that translates between internal simulation IP addresses and external accessible addresses. This allows the simulation to maintain simple internal addressing while providing enhanced external management capability through address translation.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are techniques that may facilitate configuring and utilizing tags for simulation nodes included in network simulations. In one example, a method is provided that may include obtaining, by a controller of a network simulation, a tag for a simulation node included in the network simulation, wherein the tag comprises: a first tag field indicating an action that is to be performed by the controller as part of the network simulation on behalf of the simulation node; and one or more second tag fields indicating parameters for the action that is to be performed by the controller; and performing the action by the controller as identified via the first tag field based on the parameters indicated in the one or more second tag fields.