Address mapping mechanism enabling multi-domain addressing in communication networks
First Claim
1. A communication network, comprising a plurality of interconnected modules adapted to direct packets of data through the network, wherein each module is identified according to identification numbers contained within a first addressing domain of a first model layer independent and separate from a second addressing domain of a second model layer used to identify modules which forward and receive the packets of data outside the network.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An architecture, system and method are provided for transparently mapping addresses across multiple addressing domains and/or protocols. A destination of a packet can therefore be transferred from a first addressing domain within one network to a second addressing domain within another network, without inserting knowledge into the packet of the relationship between the two separate and independent domains. Transmission modules within one network can be identified with unique identification numbers or addresses assigned during configuration of those modules. The identification numbers assigned internal to the network can be mapped and placed upon the packet as the packet enters the network. Mapping, however, is minimal, knowing that relatively few external devices are connected to select internal devices and/or modules. The packet can then be mapped into the network, where it is then transferred across the network whereupon it is mapped to another network or termination device external to the network. The downstream network or termination device may have an addressing domain entirely separate and independent from the addressing domain used within the network, the benefit of which is to free up external addressing space that would normally be used if the external addressing domain were used internally.
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Citations
23 Claims
- 1. A communication network, comprising a plurality of interconnected modules adapted to direct packets of data through the network, wherein each module is identified according to identification numbers contained within a first addressing domain of a first model layer independent and separate from a second addressing domain of a second model layer used to identify modules which forward and receive the packets of data outside the network.
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12. A communication system, comprising:
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a pair of end modules, one of which is an entry end module and the other of which is an exit end module;
at least one intermediate module coupled between the pair of end modules;
a first addressing domain for identifying each of the end modules and the intermediate module; and
a second addressing domain, separate and independent from the first addressing domain, for identifying each of the end modules exclusive of identifying the intermediate module. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method for sending a packet of data across a communication network having intermediate modules interposed between an entry end module and an exit end module, comprising:
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wrapping the packet of data at the entry end module with a source address of the entry end module and a destination address of the exit end module;
forwarding the packet of data through the intermediate modules to the exit end module; and
mapping the address of the exit end module to an address of a termination device located external to, yet operably coupled with, the communication network, wherein the exit end module has an identification number independent of the termination device, and therefore the exit end module and the termination device are addressable from independent and separate addressing domains or protocols linked only by said mapping. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification