Patent ID: 7978731
Filing Date: 2011-07-12
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A computer implemented method in a data processing device for consolidating TCP ports, the computer implemented method comprising: responsive to initiating a connection to a hidden port within a plurality of hidden ports via a network, creating by a processing device communicatively coupled to the data processing device a TCP in TCP packet that includes sequence and acknowledgement numbers on a per-port basis to provide logically independent data transmission flows for each hidden port within the plurality of hidden ports; and sending by the data processing device the TCP in TCP packet to the hidden port via the network via a network visible port, wherein the data processing system sends the TCP in TCP packet without recalculating checksums, and wherein the network includes a firewall that has the network visible port as the only open port on the firewall, and wherein an IP layer passes the TCP in TCP packet to a TCP in TCP handler based on an identification field in an IP header of the TCP in TCP packet that identifies the TCP in TCP packet.