TECHNICAL FIELD

Various example embodiments relate to computer networking, and more particularly to a method for swapping header information for data transmission.

BACKGROUND

Networks such as Local Area Networks (LAN) make a significant impact on almost every industry. To meet their growing needs, these industries make use of several networks e.g. each devoted to a different department. However, there is a need for improving data transmission in such networks.

SUMMARY

Example embodiments provide a method comprising: receiving at a first gateway a data packet from a first host in destination to a second host, replacing by the first gateway a first portion of a header information of the data packet by information comprising an identity information of at least one of the first host and the second host, transmitting by the first gateway the data packet in accordance with a second portion of the header information to a second gateway serving the second host

According to further example embodiments, a method comprises receiving at a gateway a data packet in destination to a second host served by the gateway, the data packet comprising an identity information of the second host, using the identity information of the second host for determining a network address of the second host, replacing a network destination address of the received data packet by the determined network address, transmitting the data packet to the second host.

According to further example embodiments, a method comprises receiving from a gateway at a database system a request of identity information of a host served by the gateway, the request being indicative of a network address of the host, searching the received network address in a data container comprising network addresses and associated identity information, in response to identifying the received network address in the data container, returning an identity information associated with the identified network address, otherwise generating an identity information, and returning the generated identity information.

According to further example embodiments, an apparatus comprises: means configured to receive a data packet from a first host in destination to a second host, means configured to replace a first portion of the header information of the data packet by information comprising an identity information of at least one of the first host and the second host, means configured to transmit the data packet in accordance with a second portion of the header information to a second gateway serving the second host.

According to further example embodiments, an apparatus comprises: means configured to receive a data packet in destination to a second host, the data packet comprising an identity information of the second host; means configured to use the identity information of the second host for determining a network address of the second host, means configured to replace a network destination address of the received data packet by the determined network address; means configured to transmit the data packet to the second host.

According to further example embodiments, an apparatus comprises means configured to receive from a gateway a request of identity information of a host served by the gateway, the request being of a network address of the host, means configured to search the received network address in a data container comprising layer addresses and associated identity information, means configured to in response to identifying the received network address in the data container, returning an identity information associated with the identified network address, otherwise generating an identity information, and returning the generated identity information.

According to further example embodiments, a computer program comprises instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: receiving a data packet from a first host in destination to a second host, replacing a first portion of the a header information of the data packet by information comprising an identity information of at least one of the first host and the second host, transmitting the data packet in accordance with a second portion of the header information to a second gateway serving the second host.

According to further example embodiments, a computer program comprises instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: receiving a data packet in destination to a second host served by the gateway, the data packet comprising an identity information of the second host; using the identity information of the second host for determining a network address of the second host; replacing a network destination address of the received data packet by the determined network address; transmitting the data packet to the second host.

According to further example embodiments, a computer program comprises instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: receiving from a gateway a request of identity information of a host served by the gateway, the request being indicative of a network address of the host, searching the received network address in a data container comprising network addresses and associated identity information, in response to identifying the received network address in the data container, returning an identity information associated with the identified network address, otherwise generating an identity information, and returning the generated identity information.

