Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput – Computer network managing – Computer network access regulating
Reexamination Certificate
1997-03-24
2001-06-12
Burgess, Glenton B. (Department: 2153)
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput
Computer network managing
Computer network access regulating
C709S219000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06247054
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to computer networking systems, and in particular, the invention relates to redirecting packets using encapsulation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many Internet Service Providers (ISPs) offer multiple levels of service, charging a different fee for each service level. For example, a subscriber of an ISP may subscribe to e-mail only, connection access (i.e., Telnet and FTP), or full access which would allow access to the World Wide Web (WWW).
Typically, the ISPs are configured so that a subscriber cannot use a service which is not included in the subscriber's subscription. The Network Access Servers (NAS), which provide point-of-presence dial-in access for the ISPs, may provide filtering to prohibit a subscriber from accessing services not included in the subscriber's subscription. When a NAS detects a subscriber attempting to exceed their allowed service level, the NAS typically discards the subscriber's packet (which contains a request for the service), and returns a simple “cannot connect” type message to the subscriber.
As a result, the subscriber is uninformed as to why they are unable to connect or receive their requested service. As such, it would be desirable to return an appropriate application level message to the subscriber providing a more detailed explanation why the requested service is unavailable to the subscriber.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for redirecting packets using encapsulation techniques. In one embodiment, an Internet subscriber transmits an Internet service request to a Network Access Server (NAS). The service request is transmitted in a first packet. The NAS analyzes the first packet to determine whether the service request exceeds the subscriber's internet subscription. If the request exceeds the subscriber's subscription, the NAS encapsulates the first packet into a second packet and redirects the second to a redirection server. The packet is encapsulated to preserve the address of the original destination of the service request.
Upon receipt, the redirection server generates a reply to the internet service request which specifies why the service request was denied. The redirection server also substitutes the address of the original destination as the source of the reply message to allow the reply message to be received as reply from the original destination.
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patent: 5706427 (1998-01-01), Tabuki
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patent: 5764890 (1998-06-01), Glasser et al.
patent: 5774660 (1998-06-01), Brendel et al.
patent: 5781550 (1998-07-01), Templin et al.
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Blakely , Sokoloff, Taylor & Zafman LLP
Burgess Glenton B.
Fields Kenneth W.
Nortel Networks Limited
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