VARP Extension for Virtual IP Range Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Virtual Address Resolution Protocol (VARP) is limited to associating a single virtual IP address with a real IP address, restricting message delivery to distributed external virtual networks and only allowing communication between virtual IP addresses, which hinders communication with real networks beyond the edge of the virtual network.
Innovation Solution
The method extends VARP to enable a many-to-one mapping of virtual IP addresses to a real IP address, allowing ranges of virtual IP addresses to be associated with a single real IP address in a VARP cache or lookup table, enabling communication beyond the edge of the virtual network and supporting a Supernet for encrypted data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If VARP associates a single virtual IP address with a real IP address, then the lookup table structure is simple, but the ability to send messages to distributed external virtual networks is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple virtual IP addresses into a single entry in the VARP lookup table by associating a range of virtual IP addresses with one real IP address. This consolidation allows the system to handle distributed external virtual networks while maintaining a simplified lookup table structure, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the VARP lookup table multi-functional by enabling it to handle both individual virtual IP address mappings and range-based mappings. This universal structure allows the same table to support point-to-point connections and distributed network communications, improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If VARP resolves only virtual IP addresses, then the protocol remains simple, but virtual IP addresses are restricted to communicating with other virtual IP addresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dual-resolution mechanism where the VARP protocol acts as an intermediary that first resolves virtual IP addresses to real IP addresses, and then the standard ARP protocol resolves real IP addresses to MAC addresses. This intermediary approach enables communication between virtual and real networks while keeping the protocol complexity manageable by leveraging existing ARP infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the address resolution process into two distinct stages: VARP resolution (virtual IP to real IP) and ARP resolution (real IP to MAC). This segmentation allows each protocol to specialize in its specific function, enabling extended communication capabilities while maintaining protocol simplicity through clear separation of concerns.
3Productivity
If a one-to-one mapping is used in VARP, then the address resolution is straightforward, but ranges of virtual IP addresses cannot be mapped to a single real IP address
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the VARP mapping dynamic by allowing the system to adapt between one-to-one mappings and many-to-one mappings based on the communication requirements. The lookup table can store both individual address mappings and range mappings, enabling the system to optimize for either straightforward resolution or efficient range handling depending on the specific use case.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the address mapping by introducing range-based mappings where a start virtual IP address, end virtual IP address, and associated real IP address form a mapping entry. This parameter change enables efficient batch routing to multiple virtual addresses while maintaining straightforward resolution through prefix matching and range comparison.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of associating a range of destination IP addresses with a real IP address for use with the Virtual Address Resolution Protocol is disclosed. The destination addresses may be a range of virtual IP addresses in a virtual network or a range of real IP addresses in a physical network. A record of the association of the range of destination addresses with a single real IP address is stored in a Virtual Address Resolution Protocol lookup table which is utilized when sending messages from a virtual IP address. The ability to assign a range of destination addresses to a single real IP address represents an extension of the use of VARP. The association of multiple destination addresses to a single real IP address allows an electronic device to function as a router to a widely distributed real or virtual network. The virtual network of the present invention adds a layer of encryption to the originating virtual network by sending encrypted data packets between the origin and destination addresses.