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Stateful network address translation protocol implemented over a data network

  • US 7,042,876 B1
  • Filed: 12/11/2000
  • Issued: 05/09/2006
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/12/2000
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method for implementing redundancy of stateful network address translation information in at least one network device of a data network, the method comprising:

  • receiving, at a first network device, a first packet, said first packet including a header portion comprising address information relating to a source device and a destination device associated with the first packet;

    generating a first network address translation (NAT) entry relating to the source device of the first packet, wherein the source device is associated with a globally unique network address;

    storing the first NAT entry in a first NAT data structure residing at the first network device;

    generating a first network address translation (NAT) transaction message which includes information relating to updates or modifications performed on the first NAT data structure;

    transmitting the first NAT transaction message to at least one other network device to thereby cause the at least one other network device to update a respective NAT data structure associated with the at least one other network device using information from said first NAT transaction message;

    wherein the first NAT entry includes a NAT ID field relating to an identity of a specific network device which is responsible for controlling modification of that particular NAT entry.

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