Virtual Service Endpoint Protocol Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network switches struggle to communicate between service endpoints running different protocols due to the lack of standard-based signaling and routing protocols, requiring proprietary methods that limit interoperability and hinder network expansion and new device integration.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Virtual Service Endpoint (VSE) within network switches, which acts as an internal mechanism to facilitate cross-connections between disparate protocol-specific networks by presenting itself as multiple protocol-specific service endpoints, enabling communication between networks using different protocols through a canonical packet format and forwarding tables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary signaling methods are used to enable communication between different protocol endpoints, then communication capability is improved, but interoperability and ease of network expansion deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway switch as an intermediary device between networks using different protocols. The gateway switch contains protocol translators that convert packets from proprietary formats to standard formats, enabling communication between ATM, Frame Relay, and Ethernet networks without requiring direct proprietary compatibility between all endpoint pairs. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining communication capability while improving interoperability.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway switch is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple protocol types (ATM, Frame Relay, Ethernet) simultaneously. By implementing a universal platform that can translate between different protocols, the system improves ease of network expansion and interoperability while maintaining the ability to communicate between diverse protocol endpoints.
2Adaptability or versatility
If edge switches from the same manufacturer are used to share proprietary methods, then communication between different protocol endpoints is enabled, but device complexity and vendor constraints increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway switch acts as a mediator that eliminates the need for direct proprietary method sharing between edge switches. By centralizing the translation functionality in the gateway, the system reduces device complexity at edge switches while maintaining protocol conversion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the protocol translation functionality from individual edge switches and concentrates it in a dedicated gateway switch. This extraction reduces the complexity requirements for edge switches and eliminates vendor constraints, as the gateway handles all proprietary format conversions centrally.
3Productivity
If new edge switches are introduced to meet network growth needs, then network expansion is enabled, but disruption to existing networks occurs due to lack of proprietary method compatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway switch serves as a mediator that allows new edge switches to join the network without requiring them to implement proprietary methods. New switches can use standard protocols and communicate with the gateway, which handles the translation to proprietary formats needed by legacy endpoints, enabling network expansion without disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway switch is pre-configured with knowledge of proprietary formats and translation rules. This preliminary preparation allows new edge switches to be integrated into the network immediately using standard protocols, without causing disruption to existing proprietary-based communications.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are disclosed for establishing a connection between a first endpoint participating in a first protocol and a second endpoint participating in a second protocol. Establishing a connection includes establishing a virtual service endpoint participating in the first protocol on a network device that is connected to the first endpoint and the second endpoint and forwarding to the second endpoint communication directed from the first endpoint to the virtual service endpoint.