Transfer Device IP to MAC Mapping for Tunnel Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing technology for routing data through a tunnel termination device using dynamically assigned IP addresses complicates processing and increases the processing load, as the MAC address of the user terminal is not included in the data received by the tunnel connection device, making it impossible to specify data for routing using the MAC address notified by the virtual network control device.
Innovation Solution
A transfer device with a first port connected to a layer 3 network, a second port connected to a layer 2 network, and a storage unit that stores data processing information correlating MAC addresses with IP addresses, allowing the transfer unit to search for the corresponding MAC address based on the IP address in received data and control data transfer accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dynamically assigned IP address is used for specifying data to be routed through the tunnel termination device, then the system can adapt to changing network conditions, but the processing load on the tunnel connection device increases and control becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transfer device as an intermediary between the IP network and the tunnel connection device. This transfer device maintains a mapping table that correlates IP addresses with MAC addresses, allowing the tunnel connection device to specify data for routing using MAC addresses while the transfer device handles IP address lookups. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by enabling adaptability to IP changes without increasing the processing complexity of the tunnel connection device.
2Device complexity
If a MAC address is used for specifying data to be routed through the tunnel termination device, then the processing load on the tunnel connection device is reduced, but the MAC address of the user terminal is not included in the data received by the tunnel connection device from the IP network
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer device performs preliminary actions by maintaining a mapping table that pre-establishes correlations between IP addresses and MAC addresses. When data is received from the IP network, the transfer device proactively performs IP-to-MAC address lookups before forwarding data to the tunnel connection device. This preliminary action ensures that MAC address information is available for routing decisions without requiring the tunnel connection device to perform complex processing or lose MAC address information.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the tunnel connection device performs control following IP address changes, then dynamic routing is enabled, but the processing executed by the tunnel connection device becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the routing control function into two parts: the transfer device handles IP address mapping and lookup operations, while the tunnel connection device handles routing decisions based on MAC addresses. This segmentation allows dynamic routing capability to be maintained through the transfer device's mapping table, while the tunnel connection device operates with simplified MAC address-based routing, thereby preserving processing efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A transfer device includes: first and second ports connected to L3 and L2 networks, respectively; a storage unit that stores data processing information which brings a MAC address of a communication device in the L2 network into correspondence with information regarding processing of data, and address information which brings an IP address of the communication device in the L2 network into correspondence with the MAC address thereof; and a transfer unit that, upon receiving data addressed to the communication device in the L2 network through the first port, searches the address information with an IP address in the data to acquire a MAC address corresponding to the IP address, searches the data processing information with the acquired MAC address, and depending on a search result, controls whether to transfer the data through the first port based on information regarding processing of data corresponding to the acquired MAC address.