X.25 to IP Protocol Translation with CUG Value Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in seamlessly transporting X.25 packets over IP networks, particularly in assigning and managing Closed User Group (CUG) values, which are crucial for network access and data integrity, especially in financial transactions.

Innovation Solution

A device and method that receive X.25 packets, determine if a local CUG value is associated, replace it with a network CUG value, and encapsulate or translate the packets into IP format for transmission across IP networks, using XOT encapsulation or protocol translation, ensuring seamless transmission and conversion back to X.25 format at the destination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If X.25 packets are transported over IP networks using existing technologies, then network connectivity is achieved, but CUG value management becomes complex and data integrity is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveX.25 over IP transport capabilityVSAvoidCUG value management and data integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a protocol translator as an intermediary device that sits between the X.25 network and IP network. This translator converts X.25 packets into IP packets while preserving CUG values, and converts incoming IP packets back to X.25 format. The intermediary handles the protocol translation and CUG value mapping, ensuring data integrity without requiring changes to the existing X.25 or IP networks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter representation of CUG values during protocol translation. Local CUG values from X.25 networks are mapped to network CUG values in the IP domain, and vice versa. This parameter transformation allows CUG values to be preserved across different protocol domains while maintaining their security and access control functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If protocol translation is implemented to maintain CUG values, then data integrity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCUG value managementVSAvoidProtocol translation functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protocol translator is designed to handle multiple functions within a single device: X.25 to IP packet conversion, IP to X.25 packet conversion, CUG value mapping in both directions, and routing decisions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices and simplifies the overall network architecture despite the complexity of the translation functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2086188B1Transporting X.25-OVER-ISDN through IP, using CUGS/PROTOCOL translation

Publication Date: 2013.06.19 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC

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AI summary

In one example embodiment, the method includes receiving an X.25 packet at a LAN interface of a network device. Further, the method includes determining whether a local CUG value is associated with the X.25 packet. The local CUG value may be replaced with a network CUG value associated with the X.25 packet. Thereafter, the X.25 packet, and the associated network CUG value, may be formatted to generate an IP packet. The formatting may include the use of at least one formatting regime including encapsulating the X.25 packet, that includes the associated network CUG value, in an XOT, or using protocol translation to translate the X.25 packet that includes the network CUG value into an equivalent IP packet. The method includes transmitting the IP packet using a WAN interface card, the WAN interface card including a primary interface, and at least one backup interface.