Bidirectional Tunnel Bridge Mode Layer 2 Packet Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bidirectional tunnels can only operate as Layer 3 interfaces, limiting their ability to span public networks as Layer 2 interfaces, which is necessary for certain network applications and services.
Innovation Solution
Configuring the logical interfaces of a bidirectional tunnel to operate in bridge mode, allowing them to function as Layer 2 ports by encapsulating Layer 2 packets and their protocol type information in tunnel packets and processing them accordingly, enabling the transmission of Layer 2 packets across the tunnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If bidirectional tunnels are configured with Layer 3 logical interfaces, then routing protocols and VPN interconnection can be implemented, but the tunnels cannot function as Layer 2 ports to transmit Layer 2 packets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables tunnel logical interfaces to perform multiple functions by allowing them to operate in both Layer 3 routing mode and Layer 2 bridge mode. The same tunnel interface can be configured with different operational modes depending on the required functionality, making the interface universal and adaptable to different network scenarios without requiring separate dedicated interfaces for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic configurability to tunnel interfaces, allowing the operational mode (Layer 2 or Layer 3) to be changed based on network requirements. The interface can dynamically switch between operating as a Layer 3 logical interface for routing protocols and as a Layer 2 port for bridge mode operation, providing flexibility and adaptability to varying network demands.
2Adaptability or versatility
If Layer 2 tunneling is required to span public networks, then Layer 2 packet transmission is enabled, but the existing bidirectional tunnel structure cannot be utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing bidirectional tunnel structure universal by enabling it to support both Layer 3 and Layer 2 operations. Instead of requiring separate tunneling solutions for Layer 2, the same bidirectional tunnel infrastructure can be configured to handle Layer 2 packets when needed, while maintaining its existing Layer 3 routing capabilities, thus providing service continuity and eliminating the need for additional specialized tunneling mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If logical interfaces operate only as Layer 3 interfaces, then routing and VPN protocols can run directly, but Layer 2 packet transmission across tunnels is not supported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic mode switching capability to logical interfaces, allowing them to adapt their operational layer based on configuration requirements. The interface can be configured to operate in Layer 3 mode for routing protocols or switched to Layer 2 bridge mode for Layer 2 packet transmission, providing operational flexibility without complicating the basic configuration paradigm.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention discloses a method, apparatus, and system for packet transmission. The method for packet transmission includes: configuring the two logical interfaces of a bidirectional tunnel to operate in bridge mode; at the first logical interface of the two, encapsulating Layer 2 packets and the protocol type information in tunnel packets and transmitting the packets to the peer through the bidirectional tunnel; at the second logical interface of the two, transmitting the tunnel packets to the corresponding Layer 2 protocol stack for processing according to the protocol type information in the received tunnel packets. The present invention enables the logical interfaces of a bidirectional tunnel to operate as Layer 2 ports to transmit Layer 2 packets.