Method and system for using extension headers to support protocol stack migration

摘要

An IP packet may include an IP header and one or more optional IP extension headers. The packet may contain non-IP protocol data in one of the IP extension headers. An application that uses non-IP protocol data may use the non-IP protocol data from the IP extension header. This allows an application designed for a non-IP protocol stack to operate on a device with an IP protocol stack with minimal modification. The non-IP protocol data may support routing options within a network or sub-network.

主权项

1. A method for routing, comprising:
at a first node in a first network having a plurality of nodes, wherein a subset of the plurality of nodes are battery backed nodes:
receiving a first packet from a transmitting node, wherein the first packet has a first IP fixed header, a first hop-by-hop extension header, and a first payload, wherein the first hop-by-hop extension header includes non-IP protocol data, including data identifying at least one battery-backed node;using the data identifying the at least one battery-backed node received in the first packet to select a second node in the first network to receive a second packet, wherein the second node is battery backed;providing the second packet having a second IP fixed header, a second hop-by-hop extension header, and a second payload, wherein the second hop-by-hop extension header includes second non-IP protocol data; androuting the second packet to the second node in the first network; and at the second node in the first network:
receiving the second packet from the first node;providing a third packet having a third IP fixed header, a third hop-by-hop extension header, and a third payload, wherein the third hop-by-hop extension header includes third non-IP protocol data; androuting the third packet to a third node outside the first network.