Virtual Network Address Translation for Overlapping IP Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to convert overlapping IP addresses in VPN networks to non-overlapping addresses without affecting Internet protocols, as existing solutions are not scalable and require significant changes to the operating system or memory resources.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a virtual private network (VPN) device with a virtual Network Address Translation (VNAT) layer that converts overlapping IP addresses to non-overlapping addresses, maintaining privacy by associating virtual site addresses with VLAN tags, allowing the VPN gateway to function normally without altering its protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple VPN networks with overlapping IP addresses are connected to a single gateway, then network connectivity is improved, but routing conflicts and address ambiguity occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces VNAT (Virtual Network Address Translation) as an intermediary layer between the overlapping IP networks and the gateway routing system. This VNAT layer translates overlapping IP addresses to unique internal addresses, allowing multiple VPN networks with overlapping addresses to coexist without routing conflicts. The translation mechanism acts as a mediator that resolves the address ambiguity while maintaining routing reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional NAT is used to handle IP address translation, then address mapping is achieved, but scalability and performance deteriorate due to memory and CPU requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the address translation function into a dedicated VNAT layer that operates independently from the main gateway processing. By separating the translation logic into distinct virtual network interfaces and translation tables, the system achieves better scalability and reduced resource consumption compared to traditional NAT implementations that require comprehensive state tracking.
3Ease of operation
If VPN gateways are configured to handle private networks with unique IP addresses, then routing is simplified, but the ability to support multiple enterprises with overlapping addresses is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by maintaining different address space characteristics in different parts of the network. Each VPN network retains its original overlapping IP address scheme locally, while the VNAT layer introduces unique internal addressing only where needed for routing. This allows each enterprise to maintain its preferred addressing scheme while the gateway achieves universal routing capability across multiple enterprises.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of virtual routing an overlapping IP address using a virtual private network (VPN) device connected to a virtual private network (VLAN). The method comprises the step of receiving an overlapping Internet protocol (IP) address from a virtual site, the overlapping IP address having a virtual site address tag (Vsite) associated with a client. The overlapping IP address is converted into a non-overlapping IP address. The non-overlapping IP address is then converted into an overlapping IP address having a virtual local area network (Vlan) tag, wherein the virtual local are network tag (Vlan) is associated with at least one local area network (LAN) within the virtual private network.