Tunnel Server IPv6-IPv4 Address Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for pushing information to wireless communication devices in IP-based networks face challenges due to dynamic IP address assignment, lack of permanent identifiers, and the transition from IPv4 to IPv6 addressing, especially in systems that need to bridge between different wireless networks like GPRS and support both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an IPv6 serving network with a network entry point device and tunnel servers that facilitate communication between host computers and wireless devices, using dynamic routing protocols and the Intra-Site Automatic Tunnel Addressing Protocol (ISATAP) to establish temporary IPv6 addresses based on temporary IPv4 addresses, ensuring scalability and fault tolerance for IPv4-to-IPv6 address transitioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic IP address assignment is used in IP-based wireless networks, then network flexibility and resource utilization are improved, but the ability to push information to specific devices deteriorates due to lack of permanent identifiers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tunnel server as an intermediary component that maintains permanent tunnel endpoints and device identifiers. The tunnel server acts as a mediator between the dynamic IP addressing system and the information push requirement, allowing devices to be addressed reliably through persistent tunnel identifiers even though their IP addresses change dynamically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the addressing function into two parts: temporary IP addresses for network communication and permanent tunnel identifiers for device identification. This segmentation allows the system to maintain both dynamic IP assignment benefits and reliable device addressability by separating the transient network layer addressing from the persistent application layer identification.
2Reliability
If IPv6 addressing is implemented for permanent device identification, then device addressability is improved, but compatibility with existing IPv4 networks and devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tunnel server functions as an intermediary that translates between IPv6 and IPv4 protocols. It accepts IPv6 addresses from wireless devices and maintains tunnel connections to IPv4 host computers, enabling communication between devices using different IP versions without requiring both ends to support the same protocol.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the IP version parameter used in different parts of the network. Wireless devices use IPv6 for identification and communication with the tunnel server, while the tunnel server translates to IPv4 when communicating with host computers. This parameter change allows the system to leverage IPv6's permanent addressing capabilities while maintaining compatibility with the existing IPv4 infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all networks and devices are upgraded to support IPv6 addressing simultaneously, then IPv6 compatibility is improved, but the complexity and feasibility of deployment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into an IPv6 domain (wireless devices and tunnel server) and an IPv4 domain (host computers), with the tunnel server acting as a gateway between them. This segmentation allows IPv6 to be deployed incrementally in specific parts of the network without requiring simultaneous upgrading of all devices, thereby reducing deployment complexity while still achieving IPv6 functionality.
4Adaptability or versatility
If tunnel servers are used to facilitate communication between IPv4 and IPv6 networks, then protocol compatibility is improved, but network infrastructure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tunnel server is designed with multi-functionality, serving as an IPv6-to-IPv4 translator, a routing gateway, and a tunnel management system all in one component. By consolidating these functions into a single universal device, the patent reduces overall network infrastructure complexity compared to having separate dedicated systems for each function, while still achieving comprehensive protocol compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A front end of an IPv6 communication network includes a network entry point device and a plurality of tunnel servers which facilitate the communication of user information between a host computer of an IPv4 communication network and an IPv6 wireless communication device. The network entry point device is configured to direct a tunnel request from the host computer to a selected tunnel server, which establishes a tunnel connection with the host computer. The tunnel server facilitates the communication of user information between the host and the wireless device through the tunnel connection. The tunnel server also performs a dynamic routing protocol (DRP). In accordance with the DRP, the tunnel server updates a local routing table to reflect the newly established tunnel connection and broadcasts updated routing table information to the other tunnel servers. In another related technical aspect, a back end of the IPv6 communication network facilitates communication with the IPv6 wireless device when it operates in an IPv4 wireless communication network.