Unified IP Tunnel Header for Mobile Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Packets in communication networks using Mobile Internet Protocol (MIP) and security protocols face significant header overhead due to multiple IP and TCP/UDP headers, especially when traversing narrowband wireless links, which hampers efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Optimizing IP tunnels by storing state information about nodes connected to a mobile network behind a mobile router and recreating missing headers to reduce the number of headers in packets, using only one security tunnel when applicable, thereby minimizing header overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple IP tunnels are implemented for mobile nodes behind mobile routers, then connectivity and security are ensured, but packet header overhead increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple IP tunnel headers into a single unified tunnel header structure. Instead of having separate headers for each mobile node's tunnel, the system creates a consolidated header that handles multiple nodes, thereby reducing the total header overhead while maintaining the connectivity and security functions of individual tunnels.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified tunnel header is designed to serve multiple mobile nodes simultaneously, making it a universal structure that performs the functions of multiple specialized headers. This multi-functional header reduces redundancy and minimizes overhead while ensuring reliable connectivity for all nodes behind the mobile router.
2Reliability
If multiple IP and TCP/UDP headers are included in packets, then protocol requirements are met, but bandwidth efficiency deteriorates on narrowband wireless links
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates redundant header components from the packet structure. By identifying and removing unnecessary duplicate headers while maintaining essential protocol requirements, the system reduces the total header size, thereby improving bandwidth efficiency on narrowband wireless links without compromising protocol compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the structural parameters of the packet headers by consolidating multiple header types into a unified structure. This parameter change reduces the total header length and improves the data-to-overhead ratio, enhancing bandwidth efficiency while still meeting all necessary protocol requirements for mobile node connectivity.
3Reliability
If security protocols are implemented for mobile networks, then packet security is ensured, but header overhead increases due to additional security headers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines security headers with the unified tunnel header structure, merging security functions into the existing header framework. Instead of adding separate security headers on top of multiple tunnel headers, the system integrates security protocols into the consolidated header, thereby ensuring packet security while minimizing the increase in header overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for minimizing tunnels in a network, apparatus and computer-readable storage medium having computer readable code stored thereon for programming a computer to perform the method. The method includes the steps of: obtaining state information associated with a first node connected to a mobile network behind a mobile node; receiving a first message sent between the first node and a correspondent node, wherein a first header was removed from the first message prior to sending the first message; recreating, in one of the mobile node and a mobility agent, the first header using the state information; and sending the first message with the first header.