Virtual Port Mapping via User Account Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for managing virtual ports across a network are complex and inefficient, particularly when users or applications need to be moved from one machine to another, as they require manual reconfiguration of port mappings, such as in the case of Digi International's RealPort software.
Innovation Solution
A networked computer system that uses a mapping table to associate virtual ports with user accounts or desktops, allowing virtual ports to be dynamically reassigned and follow users or applications, rather than being tied to specific machines, enabling simpler port management and seamless transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If virtual ports are assigned to specific machines using sequential enumeration, then port mapping is straightforward on each machine, but maintaining mappings becomes overly complicated when adding ports or moving users between machines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the virtual port assignment by creating user-specific virtual ports rather than machine-specific ports. Each user gets their own set of virtual ports (e.g., USER1_COM1, USER1_COM2) that are independently manageable. This segmentation allows port mappings to be maintained separately for each user, simplifying the overall management when users move between machines or when new ports are added.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a user account as an intermediary layer between the physical machine and the virtual ports. Instead of directly mapping ports to machines, the system maps ports to user accounts, which then access the ports through their logged-in sessions. This intermediary approach decouples the port assignments from specific machine identities, enabling seamless user mobility and simplified reconfiguration.
2Stability of the object's composition
If virtual ports are machine-specific, then port assignments are stable on each machine, but moving users or applications between machines requires manual reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by making virtual ports user-specific instead of machine-specific. Rather than having ports tied to machines and users adapting to them, the system ties ports to users and allows them to access the same port assignments across different machines. This inversion enables users to maintain their port configurations regardless of which machine they log into, greatly enhancing user mobility while maintaining stability in port assignments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional virtual ports are added to the system, then system functionality is enhanced, but maintaining the mapping of virtual ports becomes overly complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments virtual port management into user-specific configurations. When new virtual ports are added, they are automatically assigned to relevant users based on their account profiles and requirements. This segmentation means that adding a new port only affects the users who need it, rather than requiring a system-wide remapping. Each user's port assignments can be independently configured and maintained, significantly reducing the complexity of mapping maintenance as the system grows.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of mapping remote ports so that they appear as local ports. One or more accounts is created, including a first and a second account, wherein the first account is assigned to a first user and the second account is assigned to a first computer. A plurality of first ports are assigned to the first account. A plurality of second ports are assigned to the second account. One of the second ports is mapped to a local port on the first computer. Another of the second ports is mapped to a remote port such that the remote port appears as a local port on the second computer. The first user is logged into a second computer and, while the first user is logged into the second computer, one of the first ports is mapped to a local port on the second computer and another of the first ports is mapped to a remote port such that the remote port appears as a local port on the second computer.