OA17952A - Packet forwarding technique - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a technique for routing data packets through a gateway device (II). The gateway device provides an interconnection between the client entities (20. 2I) of a local network (4) and a communication network (l). that is to say routes packets received from a client entity to the communication network by means of a nominal interface and vice versa. The gateway device identifies at least one device (10.30). said relay device, accessible by means of a second interface and able to play a relay role for I0 routing packets exchanged between a client entity and the communication network. When a packet indicating that a session is initiated is received from a client entity, the gateway device routes the packets of the session by means of the second interface, when a routing selection criterion is verified, or by means of the nominal interface otherwise.

Packet forwarding technique

The invention lies in the field of interconnection between a local network and a communication network. More precisely, the invention relates to a technique for routing data packets by a gateway device, capable of ensuring this interconnection.

An entity of a local area network (LAN. For "Local Area Network) accesses a wide area communication network (WAN, for" Wide Area Network "), such as the Internet network, via a gateway device. The main role of the gateway device is to establish and manage a connection to the extended communication network, and to convert a stream received from the extended communication network into a protocol usable by the entities of the local network and vice versa. This gateway device corresponds for example to a residential gateway, to a routing device, etc. By way of nonlimiting example, the interface to the extended communication network is of the ADSL type for “Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line”, cable. or optical fiber, and the interface to the local network is of the WiFi type for “Wireless Fidelity” or even Ethernet. I5 This interface to the local network allows the gateway device to communicate with the entities of the local network. When one of the entities on the local network downloads high volume content, such as video content, the other entities on the local network experience a decrease in performance.

One of the aims of the invention is to remedy shortcomings / drawbacks of the state of the art and / or to make improvements thereto.

According to a first aspect, the subject of the invention is a method for routing data packets by a gateway device, the gateway device being able to route packets received from a client entity of a local network to a communication network. by means of a nominal interface and vice versa, the gateway device further comprising a second wireless interface. The method comprises the following steps implemented by the gateway device:

- identification of at least one device, called a relay device, accessible by means of the second interface and able to play a relay role to route packets exchanged between a client entity and the communication network:

- receipt from a client entity of a data packet indicating that a session is initiated;

- When a routing selection criterion is verified, routing of the packets relating to said session by means of the second interface via the relay device;

- When said selection criterion is not verified, routing of the packets relating to said session by means of the nominal interface.

Thus, thanks to the routing method, it is possible for the gateway device to use additional resources offered by relay devices for the connection of itMi, client entities of the local network to the communication network. This makes it possible to offer a service to the client entities of the local network of better quality.

The client entities correspond for example to personal computers, to mobile terminals. ...

The relay devices correspond for example to another gateway device of a neighboring local network (for example to a public WiFi "Island spot" of a merchant, of a community, a community WiFi of a private individual, etc.) to an operator's WiFi wireless access point, to a mobile terminal with access to a data service

The nominal interface is called the interface through which the gateway device interconnects the local network and the communication network, it is for example an ADSL type interface, an optical fiber type interface,. .. The second interface corresponds for example to a wireless interface of WiFi type. There may be one or more relay devices accessible through the second interface. Gateway devices known from the prior art use this second interface to communicate with certain client entities of the local network. In this technique of packet data routing, gateway devices use it to communicate with relay devices to route data packets to client entities on the local network and from the communication network and vice versa.

The selection criterion allows you to choose one of the interfaces available to route the packets, the nominal interface or the second interface. The capacity available at the gateway device for routing packets is thus increased.

The gateway device can also have other interfaces, of the same type or of different types.

It is emphasized here that the gateway device offers, seen from the client entities, a unique connectivity to the communication network. No changes are necessary at the level of client entities. The routing process is completely transparent for them.

This makes it possible for users of the local network to temporarily have a higher speed than that which can be delivered by means of the nominal interface.

In a particular embodiment, the routing selection criterion also takes into account the availability or not of the nominal interface. Thus, in the event of a one-off failure of the nominal interface, the communication network connection service is offered to users of the local network.

The service offered to users of the local network thus presents an improved quality of service.

The various embodiments or features mentioned below can be added independently or in combination with each other, to the steps of the routing method as defined above.

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According to a particular characteristic of the method, the selection criterion belongs to the group comprising at least one temporal criterion, a load criterion, a criterion relating to a service with which the session is associated.

The time criterion corresponds for example to the hours during which it is possible to route part of the packets by means of the second interface. By way of non-limiting example, at certain times of the day, a relay device is not used as a relay because it is already charged at these times or likely to be.

When the nominal interface cannot support a new session due to excessive load, the new session can be routed to a relay device through IG of the second interface. It is thus possible to offer a service to the client entity even when the nominal interface is overloaded.

It is also possible to route packets for certain sessions depending on the associated service. File downloads can, for example, be performed using the second interface, in order to leave capacity for real-time applications routed through the home interface.

According to a particular characteristic of the method, a bit rate made available to the gateway device by the identified relay device is obtained.

Taking into account the flow made available by the relay device thus makes it possible to select more precisely the relay device to be used.

Advantageously, the method comprises a negotiation relating to a use of the relay device to route packets within the limit of the bit rate made available.

In an initial step, the gateway device negotiates with the relay device what is the bit rate made available. The relay device can thus set a limit to its use by the gateway device.

Advantageously, the gateway device, storing a current rate sent via the relay device, routes the packets relating to said session by means of the nominal interface when a rate available for routing via the relay device does not allow no forwarding packets relating to the session.

The gateway device stores, for each relay device, a current flow rate routed through it and for this purpose also supervises the session closings. This allows the gateway device to choose the most suitable interface for routing the session.

According to a second aspect, the invention also relates to a gateway device, arranged to route data packets received from a client entity of a local network to a communication network by means of a nominal interface and vice versa, further comprising ;

- at least a second wireless interface;

-I

- an identification module of at least one device, called a relay device. accessible by means of the second interface and capable of playing a relay role to route packets exchanged between a client entity and the communication network:

a reception module, designed to receive from a client entity a data packet indicating that a session is initiated;

a module for routing packets relating to said session, designed to route the packets by means of the second interface via the relay device when a routing selection criterion is verified and to route the packets by means of the nominal interface when said selection criterion is not verified.

IC The advantages stated for the method according to the first aspect can be transposed directly to the gateway device.

According to a third aspect, the invention further relates to a system for routing data packets between client entities of a local network and a communication network, said system comprising a gateway device according to the second aspect and at least one device. , 15 arranged to play a role of relay device in the routing of the packets between the client entities and the communication network. The second device is accessible through the second interface.

According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a program for a gateway device, comprising program code instructions intended to control the execution of the steps of the routing method described above, when this program is executed by this gateway device and a recording medium readable by a gateway device on which is recorded a program for a gateway device.

The advantages stated for the routing method according to the first aspect can be transposed directly to the program for a gateway device and to the recording medium.

The invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description of particular embodiments of the delivery technique, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 represents a gateway device in its environment;

- Figures 2a-2b illustrate steps implemented by the gateway device according to a particular embodiment of the routing method;

FIG. 3 represents a gateway device according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1 represents a gateway device 11 in its environment. The gateway device 11 constitutes a single point of entry to the equipment of a local area network 4 LAN 35 (for "Local Area Network"). These devices are hereinafter called client entities. The gateway device 11 is located for example on the premises of a user when it comes to a private local area network. The client entities correspond for example to a personal computer 20, a telephone

21. Client entities can also correspond to mobile phones, smart mobile phones (or “smartphones”). ... No limitation is attached to client entities, nor to their number. The gateway device ll plays a role in interconnecting the local area network 4 and a wide area network l WAN (for "Wide Area Network") via an access network 2. The communication network l corresponds for example to the Internet network. More precisely, the gateway device 11 is arranged to route data packets received from a client entity 20, 21 to the communication network 1 by means of a nominal interface and to receive data packets via the intermediary. 'nominal interface intended for the client entity 20, 21. By way of illustrative example, the nominal interface of the gateway device 11 corresponds to an ADSL type access (for “Asynnnetric Digital Subscriber Line”), it can also be s 'act of access by means of an optical fiber, a cable, ... No limitation is attached to the type of access by means of this nominal interface. The gateway device 11 can constitute an access point shared between several client entities belonging for example to a company or to a group of users.

In Figure 1. another gateway device 10 is also shown. This other gateway device allows client entities of another local network (not shown in FIG. 1) to access the communication network 1 via the access network 2. This gateway device 10 comprises a communication interface. WiFi type (for “Wireless Fidelity”) allowing it to communicate with the client entities of its local network. The gateway device 10 20 also makes available to users other than those of its local network a part of its available capacity on its WiFi interface. This provision is known as a community WiFi type service. The gateway device 10 then acts as a relay device to the communication network 1. A single gateway device offering this service is shown in order not to overload FIG. 1. The gateway device 10 can also correspond to a WiFi access point. or WiFi hot spot. No limitation is also attached to the number of gateway devices playing the role of relay device.

A mobile terminal 30 is also shown in FIG. 1 and allows its user to access the communication network 1 by means of a wireless interface via a mobile network 3. The mobile network 3 is for example a so-called third generation 3G network 30 conforming to the specifications defined by the 3GPP standardization body (standing for “Third Generation Partnership Project”). In the embodiment described, the mobile terminal 30 also has a WiFi type interface. The mobile terminal 30 also makes available to other users part of its available capacity on its radio interface to the mobile network 3 by playing a role of WiFi access point to the communication network 1. The mobile terminal 30 is thus a relay device to the communication network. More precisely, the mobile terminal 30 is configured as a 3G modulator / demodulator. called 3G modem. A single mobile terminal playing the role of relay device is shown in Figure 1. No limitation is attached to the number of mobile terminals playing this role. It is emphasized here that the mobile terminal 30 may or may not belong to a user of a client entity of the local network 4.

The gateway device 11 also has a second interface, for example of the Wil-i type. This second interface is used to communicate with some of the client entities of the local network 4. In a particular embodiment, the gateway device 11 uses this second interface to communicate with relay devices, such as the gateway device I0. the mobile terminal 30, in particular for routing packets from client entities of the local network 4 to the communication network 1 and to receive packets from the communication network l to the client entities of the local network 4. More precisely , the packets of certain sessions between the client entities of the local network 4 and the communication network 1 pass through a relay device.

We will now describe the routing method, as implemented by the gateway device 11 in a particular embodiment, in relation to Figures 2a and 2b.

FIG. 2a represents the steps implemented by the gateway device 11 to establish a list of relay devices, that is to say a list of at least one device capable of playing a relay role to route packets exchanged between a client entity of the local network 4 and the communication network l.

In a step El, the gateway device 11 determines whether equipment items are accessible by means of its second interface, that is to say are located in its radio coverage area. Then, still in this step E1, the gateway device 11 determines whether these accessible items of equipment are able to play a role of relay to the communication network I. For the gateway device 10. this is a community service offering. Through this service offer, the gateway device 10 indicates that it is making part of its capacity available to the communication network l. For the mobile terminal 30, this is a service offer as a third-generation 3G or fourth-generation 4G / LTE modem (for "Long Term Evolution"). The mobile terminal 30 is configured to be accessible to a set of devices, including the gateway device 11.

In a step E2, the gateway device 11 checks whether at least one relay device 10, 30 has been determined. If this is the case, in a step E3, the gateway device 11 obtains a flow rate R made available by the relay device.

In a particular embodiment, to obtain the bit rate R made available, the gateway device 11 negotiates with the relay device a use of the latter to route packets within the limit of the bit rate R made available. By way of non-limiting example, the gateway device 11 transmits a request to use a rate D to the relay device and the latter responds by transmitting a negotiated rate R and, if applicable, the conditions for using the rate

available. The conditions of use correspond for example to time intervals of provision, compensation conditions, a maximum data threshold, etc.

This step E3 is reiterated, if necessary, for all the relay devices identified in step E1.

In a step E4. the gateway device 11 updates a list of available relay devices. In a particular embodiment, the gateway device 11 also associates with each identified relay device the bit rate R made available. A device which had been identified during a previous execution of steps E1 to E4 as a relay device and which is no longer in the coverage area of the gateway device 11 is deleted from the list of relay devices during this step E4. .

This set of steps E1 to E4 can be executed on a regular basis, or else its execution be commanded when a relay device from the list cannot be reached. A relay device becomes unreachable for example when a failure occurs on this device or when it is no longer located in the coverage area of the gateway device 11. No limitation is attached to the conditions for triggering the execution of these. steps E1 to E4, aiming to establish a list of at least one device capable of playing a relay role for routing packets exchanged between a client entity of the local network and the communication network.

FIG. 2b represents steps implemented by the gateway device 11 to route a data packet exchanged between a client entity 20, 21 of the local network 4 and the communication network 1, more precisely from the client entity to the network communication l.

In a step ElO, the gateway device 11 receives from the client entity 20, 2! a data packet P to be routed to the communication network l.

In a step E11, the gateway device 11 determines whether the packet P indicates that a session is initiated. More precisely, the packet P carries information relating to the establishment of a new session.

If this is the case, in a step E14, the gateway device 11 checks that a routing selection criterion is verified.

A routing selection criterion corresponds, for example, to a time criterion, a load criterion, a criterion relating to a service with which the session is associated. The routing selection criterion can also correspond to a combination of these different criteria. This is not an exhaustive list of routing selection criteria.

The time criterion corresponds, for example, to hours during which it is possible to route part of the packets via a relay device 10, 30 by means of the second interface. By way of non-limiting example, at certain times of the day, the mobile terminal 30 is not used because its routing capacity is generally limited during these hours.

This condition of use may have been obtained during the negotiation at step E3.

The load criterion corresponds for example to line routing rule according to the load of the nominal interface of the gateway device 11. When this interface has a load rate greater than a threshold, the new session can be routed to a device. relay lü. 30 by means of the second interface. It is thus possible to offer a service to the client entity 5 even when the nominal interface is overloaded. Still by way of example, the load criterion can correspond to the load sharing rule between the interfaces available at the level of the gateway device 11. This makes it possible to balance the load between the different interfaces.

The criterion relating to a service with which the session is associated makes it possible to define services for which the routing will be carried out preferentially by means of the second interface. A file download service can for example be executed by means of the second interface, so as not to load the nominal interface and thus to leave the capacity of the nominal interface for real-time applications.

If at step El4. the routing selection criterion is verified, in a step El5, the gateway device 11 selects a relay device 10 accessible by means of its second I5 interface (or one of its second interfaces) through which the packets relating to this new session will be routed. The second interface then corresponds to the selected interface. The packets are then routed through the relay device 10, 30.

In a step E16, where appropriate, the gateway device 11 updates the list of available relay devices by storing therein the routing of the new session through the intermediary of the relay device.

If in step El4, the routing selection criterion is not verified, the selected interface remains the default interface, that is to say the nominal interface.

In both cases, in a step E117, the gateway device 11 routes the packets relating to this session by means of the selected interface, including the packet P being processed. When the selection criterion is not verified, the packets are routed using the home interface. When the second interface has been selected, routing is through a relay device.

The gateway device 11 then goes back to waiting to receive a new packet to be routed.

When, in step E11, the gateway device 11 has determined that the packet P is not the first packet relating to the session, in a step E12, the gateway device 11 checks whether the packet P indicates that the session is being closed.

If that is the case. in a step E13, the gateway device 11 updates the list of available relay devices by deleting therein the information relating to a routing of the session through the relay device.

In both cases, that is to say whether or not the packet indicates that the session is being closed, the gateway device 11 implements the step El7 of routing the packet P previously described. The gateway device 11 then goes back to waiting to receive a new packet to be routed.

It can thus be seen that once a routing interface has been selected, all the packets relating to the session are routed to the communication network 1 by the same route. The implementation of the routing method is also completely transparent for the client entities. No modification is necessary for the devices of the local network 4. It is thus possible for the users of the local network 4 to temporarily have a higher rate than that conveyed by means of the nominal interface.

In a particular embodiment, the routing selection criterion also takes into account the availability or not of the nominal interface. Thus, in the event of a punctual failure of the nominal interface, the connection service to the communication network is offered to users of the local network 4.

It is also noted that when one of the relay devices disappears from the list of available relay devices, another relay device can be used. The service offered to the users of the local network 4 has an improved quality of service.

In a particular embodiment, in steps El3 and El 6 for updating the list of available relay devices, the gateway device 11 stores a current flow rate routed through the relay device. In this case, in step E14, the gateway device 11 also takes this current flow into account to verify the route selection criterion. Thus, when the selection criterion is verified, the packets relating to the new session are routed by means of the nominal interface when the rate remaining available for routing via the relay device, that is to say the bit rate made available minus the current bit rate, is not sufficient to carry the new session.

Other embodiments are also possible while remaining within the scope of the routing method described above.

It is emphasized here that the packets relating to a session transmitted from the communication network 1 to the client entity take the same path through the intermediary of the relay device. The routing method implemented by the gateway device 11 to route an exchanged packet from the communication network 1 to a client entity is not described more precisely, the gateway device 11 implementing a function for routing the packets to destination of the client entity known to the state of the art.

The operation of the routing method is illustrated with the aid of an example. The gateway device 11 is connected to the communication network 1 by a speed ADSL link F. A user of the local network 4 has the mobile terminal 30 having two interfaces, one of the WiFi type and the other of the 3G type. A bit rate M1 can be routed over the 3G type interface to the communication network l and vice versa. Another user of the local network has another mobile terminal (not shown in figure l) also having two interfaces,

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One is WiFi type and the other is 3G type. A flow M2 can be routed over the 3G type interface to the communication network 1 and vice versa. The second gateway device 10 makes a flow C available to the community Wil'i service for a connection to the communication network l. Via the WiFi type interface. the gateway device 11 can thus route data packets to the second gateway device 10 and the two mobile terminals. These three devices play the role of relay devices in the connection of the gateway device 11 to the communication network 1. It is assumed that the sum of the flow rates Ml. M2 and C does not exceed the speed available on the WiFi type interface. Thanks to the routing method, the gateway device 11 can offer the client entities of the local network 4 a rate close to the sum of the rates F, Μ l. M2 and C.

We will now describe a gateway device in a particular embodiment of the invention with reference to FIG. 3. Such a gateway device 11, arranged to provide interconnection between a local network 4 and a communication network 1, comprises in particular:

- a first transmission / reception module 100 by means of a nominal interface;

- a second transmission / reception module 102 by means of a second interface:

a third transmission / reception module 104. arranged to communicate with the client entities in the local network 4;

an identification module 106 of at least one device, called a relay device, accessible by means of the second interface and able to play a relay role for routing packets exchanged between a client entity and the communication network;

- a routing module 108, designed to route packets relating to a session, when a routing selection criterion is verified, by means of the second interface via the relay device and when the selection criterion n 'is not verified ,, by means of the nominal interface;

- A memory zone llO, arranged in particular to store a list of available relay devices.

The identification module 106 is in particular designed to store in the memory area 110 the list of relay devices comprising at least one identified relay device. In a particular embodiment, the identification module 106 is also arranged to obtain a flow rate R made available by the relay device and to store in the list of relay devices the flow rate R made available for the identified relay device. In a variant, the identification module 106 is arranged to negotiate with the relay device a use of the latter to route packets within the limit of the bit rate R made available.

The identification module 106 is also arranged to update the list of available relay devices, in particular by deleting a device which is no longer able to play a relay role.

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The third transmission / reception module 104 is in particular designed to receive from a client entity a packet indicating that a session has been initiated. The routing module 108 is designed to check the selection criterion for the new session and, if necessary, to select the second interface to route the packets relating to the session 5 initiated by means of a relay device. The routing module 108 is arranged to update the list of relay devices in the memory area 110 by storing there the routing of the new session through the relay device.

The first 100. second 102 and third 103 transmission / reception modules are in particular designed to determine whether a packet P indicates that a session is being closed. The routing module 108 is alois arranged to update the list of relay devices available in the memory area 110 by deleting therein information relating to a routing of the session through the relay device.

In a particular embodiment, the routing module 108 is designed to store a current rate sent via a relay device in the list of 15 relay devices and to take this current rate into account to verify the criterion of route selection.

The invention is implemented by means of software and / or hardware components. From this perspective, the term module can correspond in this document as well to a software component, as to a hardware component or to a set of hardware and / or software components, capable of implementing a function or a set of functions. , according to what is described above for the module concerned.

A software component corresponds to one or more computer programs, one or more sub-programs of a program, or more generally to any element of a program or software. Such a software component is stored in memory then loaded and executed by a data processor of a physical entity and is capable of accessing the material resources of this physical entity (memories, recording media, communication bus, electronic cards. inputs / outputs, user interfaces, etc.).

In the same way, a hardware component corresponds to any element of a hardware set (or hardware). It may or may not be a programmable hardware component, with or without an integrated processor for running software. This is for example an integrated circuit, a smart card, an electronic card for running a firmware, etc.

In a particular embodiment, the modules 100, 102, 104, 106, 108 are arranged to implement the routing method described above. They are preferably software modules comprising software instructions for executing the steps of the routing method described above, implemented by a gateway device. The invention therefore also relates to:

- a program for a gateway device, comprising program code instructions intended to control the execution of the steps of the routing method described above, when said program is executed by said gateway device:

a recording medium readable by a gateway device on which the program for a gateway device is recorded.

Software modules have difficulty in being stored in or transmitted by a data medium. This can be a hardware storage medium, for example a CD-ROM. a magnetic floppy disk or hard drive. or else a transmission medium such as an electrical, optical or radio signal, or a telecommunications network.

The invention also relates to a routing system 5 of data packets comprising a gateway device I l as described above and at least one device 10, 30. arranged to play a role of relay device in the routing of the packets between. client entities 20. 21 of the local network 4 and the communication network !.

Claims (8)

1. Method of routing data packets by a gateway device (11), the gateway device being able to route packets received from a client entity (20. 21) of a local network. 5 (4) to a communication network (l) by means of a nominal interface and vice versa, the gateway device further comprising a second wireless interface. said method comprising the following steps implemented by the gateway device: - identification (El) of at least one device, said relay device, accessible by means of the second interface and capable of playing a relay role to route packets exchanged between a 10 client entity and the communication network; - reception (El l) from a client entity of a data packet indicating that a session is initiated: - When a routing selection criterion is verified, routing (El7) of the packets relating to said session by means of the second interface via the relay device; 15 - when said selection criterion is not verified, routing of the packets relating to the session by means of the nominal interface. 2. A routing method according to claim l, wherein the selection criterion belongs to the group comprising at least one time criterion, a load criterion, a criterion relating to a 20 service to which the session is associated. 3. A routing method according to claim l, comprising obtaining (E3) a flow made available to the gateway device by the identified relay device. 25 4. A method of routing according to claim 3, comprising a negotiation relating to a use of the relay device to route packets within the limit of the bit rate made available. 5. The routing method according to claim 3, wherein the gateway device, storing a current rate routed through the relay device, routes the packets 30 relating to said session by means of the nominal interface when a rate available for routing through the relay device does not allow the packets relating to the session to be routed. 6. Gateway device (11), arranged to route data packets received from a client entity (20, 21) from a local network (4) to a communication network (1) by means of a nominal interface. (100) and vice versa, further comprising; - at least a second wireless interface (102); / 'tMl - an identification module (106) of at least one device, called a relay device, accessible by means of the second interface and able to play a relay role to route packets exchanged between a client entity and the communication network: - a reception module (104). arranged to receive a packet from a client entity 5 data indicating that a session is initiated: - a routing module (108) of the packets relating to said session, arranged to route the packets by means of the second interface via the relay device when a routing selection criterion is verified and to route the packets by means of the nominal interface when said selection criterion is not verified. IG 7. Routing system (5) of data packets between client entities of a local network (4) and a communication network (I), said system comprising a gateway device (11) according to claim 6 and at least a device (! 0. 30), arranged to play a role of relay device in the routing of the packets between the client entities and the communication network. I5 8. Program for a gateway device, comprising program code instructions intended to control the execution of the steps of the method according to one of claims 1 to 5 when said program is executed by said gateway device. 9. A recording medium readable by a gateway device on which the program according to claim 8 is recorded.