Virtual DNS for Content-Aware IP Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Domain Name System (DNS) lacks the capability to make content routing decisions beyond URI/IP address translations, failing to consider various criteria such as content type, device type, security levels, and quality-of-service metrics in its IP address assignments.
Innovation Solution
A virtual domain name system (vDNS) that translates URIs to IP addresses based on multiple criteria, utilizing Application-Layer Traffic Optimization (ALTO) information and dynamic policy management to select appropriate IP addresses, and supports overlay networks with overlapping domains for enhanced routing decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional DNS performs only URI to IP address translation, then the system remains simple and fast, but it cannot make content routing decisions based on multiple criteria
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the DNS functionality by introducing a separate ALTO server component that handles routing decisions based on multiple criteria, while the traditional DNS remains relatively simple for URI to IP translation. This segmentation allows the complex routing logic to be isolated in a dedicated service, improving overall system adaptability without proportionally increasing core DNS complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the client and traditional DNS by using ALTO servers as mediators. The ALTO server receives routing requests, processes multiple criteria (content type, device type, security levels, quality-of-service), and returns appropriate IP addresses. This intermediary enables content-aware routing decisions without requiring the traditional DNS to handle complex routing logic directly.
2Productivity
If DNS makes content routing decisions based on multiple criteria, then network traffic management improves, but the resolution process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The ALTO server acts as an intermediary that handles the complex resolution process. Instead of the traditional DNS performing complex multi-criteria routing, the ALTO server mediates between the client's routing request and the final IP address selection. This mediator processes content type, device type, security levels, and quality-of-service criteria systematically, improving network traffic management while keeping the resolution process organized and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The ALTO server provides universal routing decision-making capability that can handle multiple different criteria and scenarios through a single unified system. Rather than requiring separate mechanisms for different routing needs, the ALTO server offers multi-functional routing decisions based on various criteria, improving productivity while consolidating complexity into one versatile service.
3Reliability
If dynamic policy management is implemented for sub-domain creation, then security and quality-of-service improve, but system operation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The ALTO server serves as an intermediary that handles dynamic policy management for sub-domain creation. It receives routing requests, applies security policies and quality-of-service criteria, and returns appropriate IP addresses or sub-domains. This mediator automates the complex policy application process, improving security and quality-of-service while shielding users from the operational complexity of policy management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automated policy application. The ALTO server automatically evaluates routing requests against defined policies for content type, device type, security levels, and quality-of-service, without requiring manual intervention. This self-service mechanism improves reliability through consistent policy enforcement while maintaining ease of operation by eliminating manual policy configuration steps.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, devices, and storage mediums resolve uniform resource identifiers to Internet protocol addresses based on various criteria. Additionally, uniform resource identifiers are resolved to Internet protocol addresses based on Application-Layer Traffic Optimization information and domain name system policies.