Address mapping mechanism enabling multi-domain addressing in communication networks

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.