Virtual Port IP Packet Conversion Across IPv4 and IPv6

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network technologies face challenges in maintaining interoperability as network formats evolve, leading to issues with packet transmission between different IP address spaces.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an IP format conversion enabled network appliance that converts IP packets between IPv4 and IPv6 address spaces using a processing resource and virtual ports, allowing seamless communication between endpoint devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If network devices transmit communications in the same format, then transmission simplicity is maintained, but network interoperability deteriorates as network formats evolve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork interoperabilityVSAvoidpacket format conversion capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a network device that acts as an intermediary between IPv4 and IPv6 networks. This device receives packets from one IP version, converts them to the other IP version, and forwards them to the appropriate destination. The conversion process includes modifying packet headers and maintaining payload integrity, enabling seamless communication between different IP address spaces without requiring changes to endpoint devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by transforming packet format parameters during conversion. The system modifies IP header parameters (such as version field, header length, and address fields) while preserving essential packet information. This allows the same packet to be adapted to different IP version requirements, enabling interoperability between IPv4 and IPv6 networks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If network formats evolve to new versions, then network capability is improved, but compatibility with existing devices deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for multiple IP versionsVSAvoidcommunication reliability between different IP versions

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The network device serves as a reliable intermediary that ensures accurate packet conversion between IPv4 and IPv6. It implements proper error handling, validates converted packets, and maintains communication reliability by ensuring that essential packet information is preserved during format transformation. The device can reliably translate packets in both directions, enabling trusted communication across IP version boundaries

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling the network device to handle multiple IP versions (both IPv4 and IPv6) simultaneously. The device can receive, process, and forward packets in either IP version, acting as a universal gateway that supports legacy IPv4 networks and modern IPv6 networks alike. This universal capability ensures reliable communication regardless of the IP version used by source or destination devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If packet conversion between IP versions is implemented, then network interoperability is enhanced, but processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIP packet format conversionVSAvoidconversion processing requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the packet conversion process into distinct functional segments: receiving the original packet, parsing the packet header, converting IP address parameters, reconstructing the packet with new format, and forwarding to the destination. This segmented approach allows each conversion step to be handled independently, making the complex conversion process more manageable and efficient to implement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12470511B2Systems and methods for processing multiple IP packet types in a network environment

Publication Date: 2025.11.11 FORTINET INC

AI summary

Systems, devices, and methods include receiving, at a first physical port of a network appliance, an IP type A packet. The IP type A packet includes a packet header and a packet payload, and the packet header includes an IP type A destination address. The methods further include determining that the IP type A packet is destined for an IP type B address space; routing the IP type A packet to a virtual port; receiving, the IP type A packet by the virtual port; based at least in part on being received by the virtual port, converting the IP type A address to an IP type B address; and formatting an IP type B packet including an IP type B header and the packet payload from the IP type A packet, wherein the IP type B header includes the IP type B address.