Tunnel Endpoint Device State Takeover via Shared Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face difficulties in seamlessly transferring tunnel state information between devices, making it challenging to switch communication paths efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A tunnel endpoint device with a control unit that establishes communication tunnels and accesses storage for state information, allowing for the takeover of tunnel communication states from another device upon receiving a switching instruction, along with a controller that manages and transmits instructions for tunnel switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each communication device uniquely manages tunnel state information, then the security and integrity of individual device communications is maintained, but the ability to switch communication paths by transferring tunnel state information to another device is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates tunnel state information management from individual device identity. Tunnel state information (sequence numbers, lifetimes, security parameters) is extracted and stored independently in a shared storage device, allowing the communication state to be decoupled from the original device. This enables path switching while maintaining security integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
A shared storage device acts as an intermediary between communication devices, storing and managing tunnel state information. When path switching is needed, the storage device provides the necessary state information to the new communication device, enabling seamless transition while preserving security parameters without direct device-to-device state transfer.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tunnel state information is stored in a shared storage device, then communication path switching becomes possible, but the complexity of the system architecture increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shared storage device serves multiple functions: storing tunnel state information, managing security parameters, supporting path switching, and providing state recovery. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while achieving path switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service path switching where the storage device automatically provides tunnel state information to new communication devices based on stored data, without requiring complex manual configuration or intervention. This automation reduces operational complexity despite the added architectural component.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If tunnel communication is switched to another device, then communication continuity is maintained during path changes, but ensuring consistent state information management across devices becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where communication devices report their operational status and state information to the shared storage device. This feedback loop ensures that the storage device maintains accurate, up-to-date tunnel state information, enabling consistent state management across multiple devices and maintaining communication continuity during transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
Tunnel state information is pre-stored and validated in the shared storage device before path switching occurs. This preliminary preparation ensures that when switching is needed, the new device can immediately acquire valid state information, maintaining communication continuity without complex real-time synchronization during the transition.
Data Source
AI summary
A tunnel endpoint device includes a control unit configured to establish a communication tunnel with a tunnel endpoint device as a communication peer and an interface configured to access a storage device including communication state information about a tunnel communication. The control unit is configured to be adapted to take over state information about a tunnel communication of another tunnel endpoint device via the storage device when receiving an externally supplied switching instruction.