Internet Protocol Schema Generation

Abstract

The method includes receiving a request from a first user to create an Internet Protocol (IP) schema on a network. The method further includes receiving a list of IP parameters associated with devices connected to the network. The method further includes receiving a positional encoding for the IP parameters that associates the IP parameters with bit positions in an IP address. The method further includes determining whether the first user is authorized to create the IP schema. The method further includes generating the IP schema based on the positional encoding for the IP parameters in response to determining that the first user is authorized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Priority Claim and Cross - Reference This application claims priority to U.S. Non - Provisional Application No. 17 / 583,194, filed on January 25, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

[0002] An Internet Protocol (IP) address is a unique identifier for each device within a network. The IP address serves to identify a network interface and provide location information. IP addresses are often arbitrarily assigned without regard to the characteristics within the IP address that provide information about the device or network. In some cases, any arbitrary assignment of IP addresses may also cause redundancy or conflicts within the assigned IP addresses. Arbitrarily assigned IP addresses are often used in combination with a database to track the correlation between a device and the assigned IP address. Inaccuracy or corruption of such a database poses a problem for the accuracy of device tracking within a network.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0003] Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Note that, in accordance with industry standard practice, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of various features may be arbitrarily increased or decreased for clarity of explanation.

[0004]

Figure 1

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0005] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different features of the provided subject matter. To simplify the present disclosure, specific examples of components, values, operations, materials, arrangements, etc. are described below. Of course, these are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. Other components, values, operations, materials, arrangements, etc. are contemplated. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and / or letters in various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself define the relationship between the various embodiments and / or configurations described.

[0006] In some embodiments, the system logically assigns IP addresses in a cloud environment to generate IP addresses. The system can generate an IP template based on an IP schema. In some examples, the IP schema is based on IP network parameter information such as the vendor of the device, the service category of a part of the device or network, the service type, or the assignment logic specific to the device type. In some embodiments, the system can generate an IP template for constructing one or more IP addresses associated with a category, service type, or vendor based on the IP schema. In some embodiments, the system can use an IP template that includes one or more properties as part of the IP address to generate an IP address for identifying the associated device.

[0007] In some embodiments, with IP addresses generated using an IP template, the system can enhance consistency, reduce the time spent on provisioning new devices, reduce or prevent potential conflicts of IP addresses, and provide meaningful and distinguishable IP addresses on the network.

[0008] In a wireless access network, randomly assigning IP addresses without distinguishable bits within the IP address reduces the traceability of devices and increases the risk of IP address redundancy or conflicts.

[0009] Figure 1 is a diagram of a system 100 for an IP schema, an IP template, according to at least one embodiment of the present system. This figure includes a system 100 for hosting a cloud architecture 102. In some embodiments, system 100 includes the components described later in Figure 5. In some embodiments, system 100 hosts a cluster of servers such as cloud services. In some embodiments, system 100 hosts a public cloud. In some embodiments, system 100 hosts a private cloud.

[0010] In some embodiments, cloud architecture 102 includes a processor 128 and a memory 130. Cloud architecture 102 provides resources, manages services such as virtual machines and services, and connects resources on the cloud.

[0011] In some embodiments, the cloud architecture 102 is an open RAN environment, and the RAN is divided into three main building blocks: radio unit (RU), distributed unit (DU), and central unit (CU). In some embodiments, the RU receives, transmits, amplifies, and digitizes radio frequency signals. In some embodiments, the RU is placed near or integrated with an antenna to avoid or reduce radio frequency interference. In some embodiments, the DU and CU form the computing components of the base station and transmit the digitized radio signals to the network. In some embodiments, the DU is physically placed in or near the RU. In some embodiments, the CU is physically separated from the DU and RU and placed near the core. In some embodiments, the cloud environment 102 implements an open RAN based on the protocols and interfaces between these various building blocks (radio, hardware, and software) within the RAN. Examples of open RAN interfaces include the fronthaul between the radio unit and the distributed unit, the midhaul between the distributed unit and the central unit, and the backhaul connecting the RAN to the core. In some embodiments, the DU and CU are virtualized and run within a server or a cluster of servers.

[0012] System 100 includes an IP address management server 104. In some embodiments, the IP management server 104 is a virtual server. In some embodiments, the IP address management server 104 is a process running on a cloud service such as on the cloud architecture 102. In some embodiments, the IP address management server 104 includes an IP schema generation unit 106, an IP template generation unit 108, an IP configuration script 110, an IP address API request unit 112, and a database 114. In some embodiments, the IP address management server 104 interfaces with one or more users 107, 109 via an API. In some embodiments, the IP address management server 104 functions as a web page on the network.

[0013] In some embodiments, the IP address management server 104 receives a request to generate an IP schema. For example, the user 107 requests the IP address management server 104 to generate an IP schema. In some embodiments, the IP schema generation unit 106 receives information about the IP parameters of the network from the database 114. In some embodiments, the IP parameters of the network include information about the hierarchy and interconnection between various devices on the network, the layers within the network, the vendors of the network devices, the service categories used by the network devices, the types of services provided by the devices, the types of services provided by the network devices, and the like. For example, the IP schema generation unit within the open RAN can receive information about the configuration and devices of different layers of the network, such as RUs, DUs, and CUs. In at least one example, the IP schema generation unit 106 receives information about the RU including information about the vendor of the RU, the radio frequency of the radio wave, the direction the RU is facing, the location of the RU, the type of service provided by the RU such as a fourth-generation wireless network, and the like.

[0014] In some embodiments, user 109 provides an IP plan for the logical assignment of IP addresses to devices. In some embodiments, the IP plan is based on the IP parameters of the network that enable authorized users to use the information regarding the IP plan to identify information such as the location of the device, the location of the device within the hierarchy of the device, etc. For example, an authorized user assigns a specific portion of the IP address with specific alphanumeric bit entries to all devices located in New York. The alphanumeric bit entries enable the authorized user to decrypt information regarding the device using the IP address. Users without access to the IP plan cannot identify much information without accessing multiple devices on the network. This concealment improves the security of the IP address and the open RAN. In some embodiments, IP schema generator 106 receives position encoding of IP parameters from user 109. For example, user 109 assigns specific information indicating the location of the device, the type of service provided by the device, etc. to bits. In some embodiments, system 100 receives, via an application programming interface (API) such as a cloud API, the information to be assigned to specific bits within the IP address to indicate that the location of the service is New York. In some embodiments, system 100 presents a graphical user interface (GUI) on a web page to receive information. In some embodiments, system 100 receives, via the API, information regarding the range of bits assigned to devices of the same type. For example, the range of bits following the fixed bits available for all RUs in the network from a specific vendor. The range of bits is assigned to multiple RUs, and the fixed bits identify the vendor.

[0015] In some embodiments, the IP schema provides a list of bits with specific meanings and means to assign bits at specific positions to specific values, value ranges, or both based on the IP planning information. In some embodiments, the IP address management server 104 determines whether a first user, such as user 109, is permitted to create an IP schema. In some embodiments, the first X bits within the IP address are assigned via the IP schema. For example, the IP schema generation unit 106 assigns the first 64 bits out of 128 bits of the IP address based on the IP schema. The other bits are assigned without using the IP schema.

[0016] In some embodiments, the IP address management server 104 generates an IP schema based on the positional encoding of IP parameters based on a determination that user 107 is permitted to create an IP schema. In some embodiments, the IP address management server 104 requests approval from another user, such as approval from user 109, before the IP schema is created. In some embodiments, the IP address management server 104 generates an IP address without an IP schema in response to a determination that user 107 is not permitted to create an IP schema. In some embodiments, the IP address management server 104 is configured to generate an alert, such as an audible (audio) or visual alert, in response to a determination that user 107 is not permitted to create an IP schema. In some embodiments, the alert is transmitted, such as via wireless transmission, to a system administrator such as user 109.

[0017] In some examples, the operations of the components of system 100 are executed by processor 128 based on machine-readable instructions stored in non-volatile computer-readable memory 130. In some examples, one or more of the operations of the components of system 100 are executed on different processors. In some examples, the operations of the components of system 100 are divided among multiple processors.

[0018] In some embodiments, the IP address management server 104 receives a request to generate an IP template. For example, the user 107 requests the generation of an IP template. In some embodiments, the IP template describes the allocation of bits in the IP addresses of one or more devices that are requested or frequently used. For example, when deploying an RU, the vendor requests the IP address of each RU and the IP address of any new devices such as a router for connecting the RU to the open RAN. In some embodiments, the IP address management server 104 receives IP template parameters that define the relationship between a device and other devices that are frequently used in combination, the location of the combination of devices within the network, the configuration of the combination of devices, and the like. In some embodiments, frequent configurations are stored in a database such as the database 114 accessible by the IP template generation unit 108 to generate the IP template requested by the user 107. The IP address management server 104 provides an API for receiving information from the user 107. In at least one example, the IP address management server 104 functions as a web page having a graphical user interface for receiving information about a part of the network from the user 107.

[0019] In some embodiments, the IP address management server 104 receives a list of IP template parameters associated with the network from the database 114, and the IP template parameters include information regarding a first portion of the network, such as information for configuring one or more devices used together, or multiple devices of the same type, or multiple devices for the same service deployed together. In some embodiments, the IP address management server 104 determines whether a first user is permitted to create an IP template. In some embodiments, based on the determination that the first user is permitted, the IP address management server 104 uses the IP template generation unit 108 to generate an IP template for the first portion of the network address based on the IP schema from the IP schema generation unit 106. In some embodiments, in response to the determination that user 107 is not permitted to create an IP template, the IP address management server 104 notifies user 107 that user 107 does not have permission to create an IP template. In some embodiments, in response to the determination that user 107 is not permitted to create an IP template, the IP address management server 104 is configured to generate an alert such as an audio or visual alert. In some embodiments, the alert is transmitted to a system administrator such as user 109 by wireless transmission or the like. In some embodiments, the IP address management server 104 receives information regarding the first portion of the network address from user 107. In some embodiments, the IP address management server 104 requests approval from user 107 before creating an IP template. In some examples, the IP template provides information such as a dynamic IP range of a device that is part of a service or template based on the IP schema. For example, the IP template can further allocate bits within the IP address to the first portion of the network address to enable differentiation of devices or types. In some examples, the IP template simplifies the deployment of IP addresses to devices and maintains consistency between configurations.In some examples, user 107 dynamically generates an IP template for the deployment to help identify the devices associated with that deployment.

[0020] In some embodiments, IP address management server 104 receives a request to generate an IP address from user 107 acting on behalf of user 101. In some embodiments, IP address management server 104 generates an IP address based on an IP schema and an IP template. In some embodiments, IP address management server 104 requests permission from a second user, such as user 109, based on the IP template or IP schema. For example, IP configuration script 110 determines, based on an IP template or IP schema, that the requested IP address is of a type of device or service located higher in the network hierarchy that user 107 is permitted to address, and based on the information request, that additional permission from a second user, such as user 109, should be requested before generating the IP address.

[0021] In some embodiments, IP address management server 104 receives a request to generate an IP address from user 101. IP address management server 104 notifies user 107 of the request. In some embodiments, user 101 is not a member of an organization operating an open RAN. For example, user 101 is a vendor that deploys RUs among other vendors. IP address management server 104 separates the IP generation process from the vendor to protect the network. In some embodiments, IP address management server 104 receives an IP template to apply to the request from user 101. In some embodiments, IP address management server 104 requests additional information from user 107 based on the IP template and IP schema. For example, IP address management server 104 requests information such as a superblock of a device or part of the network, a cluster ID of the device, a fabric ID of the device, a radio control port node number, or a node type to generate the IP address.

[0022] In some embodiments, the IP address management server 104 generates an IP address using an IP address generation API. The IP address generation gateway 118 includes an input verification module 119, a lock module 120, an IP generation module 122, an unlock module 124, and an IP address generation unit 126. In some embodiments, the IP address generation gateway 118 verifies the input from the user 101 based on information from the IP schema and the IP template. In at least one example, the IP schema includes information regarding system-assigned bits and user-generated bits. The IP address management server 104 queries the database 114 via an API that links the IP generation gateway 118 and the IP address management server 104. The API blocks information regarding the network from the user 101 with a firewall. In some embodiments, the IP address management server 104 uses the lock module 120 to lock the IP address space to prevent conflicts when an IP address is requested simultaneously by two different vendors for the same device. In some embodiments, the IP generation module 122 generates an IP address and reserves the IP address for a device communicating with the IP address management server 104. For example, a DNS server generates an IP address.

[0023] In some embodiments, the IP generation module 122 communicates with the IP address API request section 112 via an API. In some embodiments, the unlock module 124 unlocks the IP address space other than the IP schema after the IP address is generated. In some embodiments, the IP address generation unit 126 functions as an interface to the IP address API request section 112. In some embodiments, a caching server such as the Redis 116 server stores a list of IP addresses already issued to verify information from the user 101.

[0024] In some embodiments, the IP generation gateway 118 requests permission before an IP address is released to the user 101. In some embodiments, the IP generation gateway 118 requests permission from the user 107 or the user 109.

[0025] Figure 2 is an exemplary IP schema generated by at least one embodiment of the present system. In some embodiments, the IP schema 200 is generated using the system 100 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the first 4 bits 204 of the IP schema 200 are based on an IP address block reserved for the service provider. For example, the first 4 bits 204 have a value of 240b. In some embodiments, the second 4 bits 206 of the IP schema indicate, among other details, a superblock identifier, or a mobile call number. For example, a bit within the second 4 bits 206 of the IP schema, such as S, indicates a superblock within an identifier that describes where the device or service is located. For example, the name of the city in the Open RAN deployment where the device is located. For example, these values indicate that the service is located in New York, Washington DC, etc. In some embodiments, 4 bits within the third 4 bits 208, such as K, indicate the infrastructure or service associated with the device. Examples of infrastructure or services in schema K include user equipment types such as fourth generation networks, fifth generation networks, Wi-Fi, infrastructure, service applications, etc. In some embodiments, the fourth 4 bits 210 of the IP schema are reserved for assignment to a group of devices during IP generation.

[0026] In some embodiments, the values indicated by XXXX are user-configurable values selectable from among one or more predetermined options. In some examples, the configurable values are binary. In some examples, the configurable values are alphanumeric digits for encoding details regarding network parameters. In some embodiments, the values indicated by S and M are obtained from the user.

[0027] The IP schema 200 includes other bit sets 212-218. These sets of bits can be used to provide other identification information of the device. In some embodiments, one or more of the sets of bits 212-218 can be used to identify the deployment of the device. In some embodiments, one or more of the sets of bits 212-218 can be used to identify the type of the device. In some embodiments, one or more of the sets of bits 212-218 can be used to identify the hierarchical position of the device within the network. In some embodiments, one or more of the sets of bits 212-218 can be used to identify devices above or below the device within the network hierarchy. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other combinations of identification information within the IP schema 200 are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 3 is an operation flow of a method 300 for determining an IP schema according to at least one embodiment. In some embodiments, the method 300 is implemented using a controller of a system such as the system 100 (Figure 1) or another suitable system. In at least some embodiments, the method is executed by the system 100 shown in Figure 1 or the controller 500 shown in Figure 5, which includes a section for performing specific operations, such as the controller 500 shown in Figure 5 described below.

[0029] In operation 302, the controller receives a request from a first user to create an Internet Protocol (IP) schema on the network. For example, the controller receives a request to assign values to bits and bit position encodings within an IP address. In some embodiments, the position encoding using bit values indicates the type of device, the type of network, the type of service, the location of the device, and the like. In some embodiments, the first user provides information regarding the IP parameters to be encoded via a schema reference document. In some embodiments, the first user provides information regarding the IP parameters via an interactive graphical user interface provided via a web browser.

[0030] In some embodiments, in operation 304, the controller receives a list of IP parameters associated with the network from a database. For example, the IP parameters associated with the network include information regarding the type of device, the relationship between devices such as the ports to which they are connected to each other, the location of the device, the type of device, the service with which the device is associated, and the like.

[0031] In some embodiments, in operation 306, the controller receives a position encoding for the IP parameters that associates the IP parameters with bit positions within the IP address. In some embodiments, in operation 306, the position encoding of the IP parameters includes user-defined values (user-defined values) corresponding to one or more attributes within a list of IP addresses. For example, IP parameters such as the cluster in which a device is located are obtained from the user and a specific bit encoding is assigned to identify the advancing cluster and distinguish it from other similar clusters.

[0032] In some embodiments, in operation 308, the controller determines whether the first user is permitted to create an IP schema. In some embodiments, the controller authenticates the first user before permitting the first user to create an IP schema.

[0033] In some embodiments, in operation 310, based on the determination that the first user is authorized, the controller generates an IP schema based on position encoding for IP parameters. In some embodiments, the controller generates an IP schema based on bit values generated by the system or provided by the user. The controller stores the IP schema in a database. In some embodiments, in response to the controller determining that the first user is not authorized, the controller generates an alert, such as a visual or audible alert. In some embodiments, the alert is sent to the first user. In some embodiments, the alert is sent to a user other than the first user, such as a network administrator. In some embodiments, the alert is wirelessly sent to the first user or another user.

[0034] In some embodiments, in response to a request to generate an IP address, the controller uses the IP schema to determine bits for which information is pre-assigned and bits that require information from the user before generating the IP address. In some embodiments, the controller uses an IP template to associate labels with the values of the bits and enables switching of the values using a graphical user interface. For example, the IP template indicates a specific position within the IP address that indicates whether a port has access to a particular service. In some embodiments, the controller receives a boolean input from the user using the labels within the IP template and determines whether to flip the bits between 0 and 1 to indicate access allowed or not.

[0035] In some embodiments, additional operations are included in method 300. For example, in some embodiments, an alert is generated in response to the first user not being authorized. In some embodiments, at least one operation is omitted. For example, in some embodiments where the network is open source, operation 308 is omitted. In some embodiments, the order of operations in method 300 is adjusted. For example, in some embodiments, operation 304 is executed before operation 302. Those skilled in the art will recognize that additional modifications to method 300 are also possible.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method 400 for determining an IP template according to at least one embodiment. In some embodiments, method 400 is implemented using a controller of a system such as system 100 (FIG. 1) or another suitable system. In at least some embodiments, the method is executed by system 100 shown in FIG. 1 or controller 500 shown in FIG. 5, which includes sections for performing specific operations, such as controller 500 shown in FIG. 5 described below.

[0037] In operation 402, the controller receives a request from a first user, such as user 107 (FIG. 1), to create an Internet Protocol (IP) template on the network. In some embodiments, the controller receives a request based on an IP generation request from a user who does not have sufficient privileges. In some embodiments, the controller receives a request from the first user and obtains approval for IP generation on a portion of the network as part of a check and balance to separate the role of IP assignment from the role of configuring the network.

[0038] In some embodiments, in operation 404, the controller searches for the IP schema of the network. In some embodiments, the IP schema describes a location coding system for encoding information about devices on the network, such as the type of device, the function of the device, the location of the device, and the like. In some embodiments, the IP schema defines only a portion of the IP address. In some embodiments, the IP schema defines system-generated bits and user-generated bits. For example, the IP schema controller generates bits that are used to indicate the location of the device. For example, the controller generates predefined bits to indicate that the location of the device is New York. For example, the controller generates bits based on user input for a cluster having a cluster ID to enable easy identification when there are multiple clusters within the network.

[0039] In some embodiments, in operation 406, the controller receives from a database a list of IP template parameters associated with a network, where the IP template parameters include information regarding a first portion of the network. In some embodiments, the controller receives IP template parameters that describe what should be requested, associated to generate encoded bits compliant with an IP schema during the generation of an IP address. Examples of such parameters include a request id, a device that is part of the IP template, the number of nodes or network interfaces on the device, the number of IP addresses required, the type of use of the device, and the like. In some embodiments, the controller receives IP template parameters that describe one or more devices configured to be deployed together, and ports shared between these devices or nodes linked together. In some embodiments, the controller receives IP template parameters that provide a positional encoding of some bits within an IP address indicating parameters of a device node. Examples of IP template parameters include system-generated values and user-generated values. In some embodiments, the IP template parameters associate the positional encoding bits with names and configurable values to enable the generation of an IP. In some embodiments, the IP template adds additional system-generated values and user-generated values used during the generation of an IP address.

[0040] In some embodiments, in operation 408, the controller determines whether a first user is permitted to create an IP template. In at least one example, the controller determines the permission based on a database having permission information.

[0041] In some embodiments, in operation 410, the controller generates an IP template based on an IP schema based on a determination that the first user is authorized. In some embodiments, the controller generates an IP template based on bit values generated by the system or selected by the user. The controller stores the IP template in a database. In some embodiments, in response to the controller determining that the first user is not authorized, the controller generates an alert such as a visual or audible alert. In some embodiments, the alert is sent to the first user. In some embodiments, the alert is sent to a user other than the first user, such as a network administrator. In some embodiments, the alert is wirelessly sent to the first user or another user.

[0042] In some embodiments, in response to a request to generate an IP address, the controller uses the IP template to determine bits with pre-assigned information and bits that require information from the user before generating the IP address with the pre-assigned information. In some embodiments, the controller uses the IP template to associate a label with the value of a bit and enables switching of the value using a graphical user interface. For example, the IP template indicates a specific location within the IP address that indicates whether a port has access to a particular service. In some embodiments, the controller receives a boolean input from the user using the label within the IP template and determines whether to flip the bit between 0 and 1 to indicate access allowed or not.

[0043] In some embodiments, additional operations are included in method 400. For example, in some embodiments, an alert is generated in response to the first user not being authorized. In some embodiments, at least one operation is omitted. For example, in some embodiments where the network is open source, operation 408 is omitted. In some embodiments, the order of operations in method 400 is adjusted. For example, in some embodiments, operation 404 is executed before operation 402. Those skilled in the art will recognize that additional modifications to method 400 are also possible.

[0044] Figure 5 is a block diagram of an exemplary hardware configuration for generating an IP schema and an IP template, according to at least one embodiment of the present system. The exemplary hardware configuration includes a system 100 that communicates with a network 509 and interacts with an input device 507. In at least some embodiments, device 500 is a computer or other computing device that receives an input or command from input device 507. In at least some embodiments, system 100 is a host server that is directly connected to input device 507 or indirectly connected via network 509. In at least some embodiments, system 100 is a computer system that includes two or more computers. In at least some embodiments, system 100 is a personal computer that executes an application for a user of system 100.

[0045] System 100 includes a controller 502, a memory unit 504, a communication interface 508, and an input / output interface 506. In at least some embodiments, controller 502 includes a processor or programmable circuitry that executes instructions to cause an operation to be performed in accordance with the instructions. In at least some embodiments, controller 502 includes an analog or digital programmable circuitry, or any combination thereof. In at least some embodiments, controller 502 includes physically separated storage devices or circuitry that interact through communication. In at least some embodiments, memory unit 504 includes a non-volatile computer-readable medium capable of storing executable data and non-executable data for access by controller 502 during execution of instructions. Communication interface 508 transmits and receives data to and from network 509. Input / output interface 506 connects to various input / output units such as input device 507 via a parallel port, serial port, keyboard port, mouse port, monitor port, etc., accepts commands, and displays information.

[0046] The controller 502 includes a radio unit (RU) 504, a distributed unit (DU) 506, a central unit (CU), an IP address management server 510, and a core. In some embodiments, the radio unit (RU) 504, the distributed unit (DU) 506, the central unit (CU), and the core 514 are configured based on virtual machines or clusters of virtual machines. The DU 506, the CU 510, the core 514, or a combination thereof are the circuitry or instructions of the controller 502 configured to process a stream of information from the DU 506, the CU 510, the core 514, or a combination thereof. In at least some embodiments, the DU 506, the CU 510, the core 514, or a combination thereof are configured to receive information such as information from an open RAN network. In at least some embodiments, the DU 506, the CU 510, the core 514, or a combination thereof are configured to deploy software services in a cloud-native environment to process information in real time. In at least some embodiments, the DU 506, the CU 510, the core 514, or a combination thereof record information in a storage unit 504 such as a site database 890 and utilize the information within the storage unit 504. In at least some embodiments, the DU 506, the CU 510, the core 514, or a combination thereof include subsections for performing additional functions as described in the foregoing flowchart. In at least some embodiments, such subsections may be referenced by names associated with those functions.

[0047] In at least some embodiments, the apparatus is another device capable of processing logical functions to perform the operations herein. In at least some embodiments, the controller and the memory unit need not be completely separate devices, and in some embodiments, share a circuit configuration or one or more computer-readable media. In at least some embodiments, the memory unit includes a hard drive storing both computer-executable instructions and data accessed by the controller, and the controller includes a combination of a central processing unit (CPU) and a RAM into which the computer-executable instructions can be wholly or partially copied for execution by the CPU during performance of the operations herein.

[0048] In at least some embodiments where the apparatus is a computer, a program installed on the computer can cause the computer to function as the apparatus of the embodiments described herein or to perform operations associated with the apparatus of the embodiments described herein. In at least some embodiments, such a program is executable by a processor to cause the computer to perform certain operations associated with some or all of the blocks of the flowcharts and block diagrams described herein. Various embodiments of the present system are described with reference to blocks that may represent (1) steps of a process in which an operation is performed or (2) sections of a controller responsible for performing an operation in the flowcharts and block diagrams. The specific steps and sections are implemented by dedicated circuit configurations, programmable circuit configurations supplied with computer-readable instructions stored on a computer-readable medium, and / or processors supplied with computer-readable instructions stored on a computer-readable medium. In some embodiments, the dedicated circuit configuration includes digital and / or analog hardware circuits and may include integrated circuits (ICs) and / or discrete circuits. In some embodiments, the programmable circuit configuration includes a reconfigurable hardware circuit having logical AND, OR, XOR, NAND, NOR, and other logical operations, flip-flops, registers, memory elements, etc., such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), programmable logic array (PLA).

[0049] Various embodiments of the present system include a system, a method, and / or a computer program product. In some embodiments, the computer program product includes a computer-readable storage medium (or media) having computer-readable program instructions for causing a processor to execute aspects of the present system. In some embodiments, the computer-readable storage medium includes a tangible device that can hold and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. In some embodiments, the computer-readable storage medium includes, but is not limited to, for example, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of the computer-readable storage medium includes a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as a punch card or raised structure in a groove having instructions recorded thereon, and any appropriate combination of the foregoing. As used herein, a computer-readable storage medium should not be construed to be a transient signal per se, such as a radio wave or other freely propagating electromagnetic wave, an electromagnetic wave propagating through a waveguide or other transmission medium (e.g., an optical pulse passing through an optical fiber cable), or an electrical signal transmitted through a wire. In some embodiments, the computer-readable program instructions described herein are downloadable from the computer-readable storage medium to respective computing / processing devices via a network, such as, for example, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, and / or a wireless network, or to an external computer or external storage device.In some embodiments, the network may include copper cables for transmission, optical fibers for transmission, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers, and / or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface within each computing / processing device receives computer-readable program instructions from the network and transfers the computer-readable program instructions to be stored in a computer-readable storage medium within each respective computing / processing device.

[0050] In some embodiments, the computer-readable program instructions for performing the operations described above are any combination of source code or object code written in any one or more programming languages, including assembly instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or object-oriented programming languages such as Smalltalk, C++, and conventional procedural programming languages such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. In some embodiments, the computer-readable program instructions are executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, executed as a stand-alone software package, executed partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or executed entirely on a remote computer or server. In some embodiments, in the latter scenario, the remote computer is connected to the user's computer via any type of network including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or can be connected to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet using an Internet service provider). In some embodiments, for example, an electronic circuit configuration including a programmable logic circuit configuration, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or a programmable logic array (PLA) utilizes the state information of the computer-readable program instructions to execute the computer-readable program instructions by customizing the electronic circuit configuration to implement aspects of the system.

[0051] As described above, embodiments of the system have been described, but the technical scope of any of the claimed subject matter is not limited to the above embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be made to the above embodiments. It is clear from the claims that such modified or improved embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the system.

[0052] The operations, procedures, steps, and stages of each process executed by the devices, systems, programs, and methods shown in the claims, embodiments, and drawings are not explicitly specified by terms such as "before" or "prior to" in terms of order, and may be executed in any order as long as the output from the previous process is not used in the subsequent process. Even if terms such as "first" and "next" are used to describe the operation flow in the claims, embodiments, and drawings, it does not mean that it is essential to execute in this order.

[0053] As described above, embodiments of the present system have been explained. However, the technical scope of any of the claimed subjects is not limited to the above embodiments. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be made to the above embodiments. It is clear from the claims that embodiments with such modifications or improvements are also included in the technical scope of the system. The operations, procedures, steps, and stages of each process executed by the devices, systems, programs, and methods shown in the claims, embodiments, and drawings are not explicitly specified by terms such as "before" or "prior to" in terms of order, and may be executed in any order as long as the output from the previous process is not used in the subsequent process. Even if terms such as "first" and "next" are used to describe the operation flow in the claims, embodiments, and drawings, it does not mean that it is essential to execute in this order.

[0054] One aspect of the present specification relates to a computer-readable medium containing computer-executable instructions. The instructions are configured to cause a computer to receive, from a first user, a request to create an Internet Protocol (IP) schema on a network. The instructions are configured to cause the computer to receive a list of IP parameters associated with a device connected to the network. The instructions are configured to cause the computer to receive a positional encoding for the IP parameters that associates the IP parameters with bit positions within an IP address. The instructions are configured to cause the computer to determine whether the first user is permitted to create the IP schema. The instructions are configured to cause the computer to generate an IP schema based on the positional encoding for the IP parameters in response to a determination that the first user is permitted. In some embodiments, the computer-executable instructions are configured to cause the computer to receive a set of user-defined values corresponding to one or more attributes in a list of IP attributes, determine a set of system-generated values corresponding to one or more attributes in the list of IP attributes, and determine the positions of the IP attributes within the IP address based on the set of user-defined attributes (user-defined attributes) and the set of system-determined attributes (system-determined attributes). In some embodiments, the computer-executable instructions are configured to cause the computer to receive a set of user-defined values corresponding to one or more attributes in a list of IP attributes and determine the positions of the IP attributes within the IP address based on the set of user-defined attributes. In some embodiments, the computer-executable instructions are configured to cause the computer to determine a set of system-generated values corresponding to one or more attributes in a list of IP attributes and determine the positions of the IP attributes within the IP address based on the set of system-determined attributes. In some embodiments, the computer-executable instructions are configured to cause the computer to generate an IP address that includes an IP schema as part of the IP address. In some embodiments, the computer-executable instructions are configured to cause the computer to generate an alert in response to a determination that the first user is not permitted.In some embodiments, the computer-executable instructions are configured to cause the computer to receive a list of IP parameters associated with a device, including the physical location of the device. In some embodiments, the computer-executable instructions are configured to cause the computer to receive a list of IP parameters associated with a device, including the relationship between the device and a second device connected to the network.

[0055] One aspect of the present specification relates to a method. The method includes receiving a request from a first user to create an Internet Protocol (IP) schema on a network. The method further includes receiving a list of IP parameters associated with a device connected to the network. The method further includes receiving a positional encoding for the IP parameters that associates the IP parameters with bit positions within an IP address. The method further includes determining whether the first user is permitted to create the IP schema. The method further includes generating an IP schema based on the positional encoding for the IP parameters in response to a determination that the first user is permitted. In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving a set of user-defined values corresponding to one or more attributes in a list of IP attributes, determining a set of system-generated values corresponding to one or more attributes in the list of IP attributes, and determining the positions of the IP attributes within the IP address based on the set of user-defined attributes and the set of system-determined attributes. In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving a set of user-defined values corresponding to one or more attributes in a list of IP attributes and determining the positions of the IP attributes within the IP address based on the set of user-defined attributes. In some embodiments, the method further includes determining a set of system-generated values corresponding to one or more attributes in a list of IP attributes and determining the positions of the IP attributes within the IP address based on the set of system-determined attributes. In some embodiments, the method further includes generating an IP address, the IP address including an IP schema in a portion of the IP address. In some embodiments, the method further includes generating an alert in response to a determination that the first user is not permitted. In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving a list of IP parameters associated with a device that includes the physical location of the device. In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving a list of IP parameters associated with a device that includes the relationship between the device and a second device connected to the network.

[0056] One aspect of this specification relates to a system. The system includes a controller that includes a circuit configuration. The controller is configured to receive a request from a first user to create an Internet Protocol (IP) schema on a network. The controller is further configured to receive a list of IP parameters associated with devices connected to the network. The controller is further configured to receive a positional encoding for the IP parameters that associates the IP parameters with bit positions within an IP address. The controller is further configured to determine whether the first user is permitted to create the IP schema. The controller is further configured to generate the IP schema based on the positional encoding for the IP parameters in response to a determination that the first user is permitted. In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to receive a set of user-defined values corresponding to one or more attributes in a list of IP attributes, determine a set of system-generated values corresponding to one or more attributes in the list of IP attributes, and determine the positions of the IP attributes within the IP address based on the set of user-defined attributes and the set of system-determined attributes. In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to receive a list of IP parameters associated with a device that includes the physical location of the device. In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to receive a list of IP parameters associated with a device that includes the relationship between the device and a second device connected to the network.

[0057] The foregoing has outlined features of several embodiments so that those skilled in the art may better understand the aspects of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art should understand that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and / or achieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Those skilled in the art will also understand that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that various changes, substitutions, and alterations may be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The foregoing has outlined features of several embodiments so that those skilled in the art may better understand the aspects of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art should understand that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and / or achieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Those skilled in the art will also understand that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that various changes, substitutions, and alterations may be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A system for generating an Internet Protocol (IP) schema, comprising: Receiving a request from a first user to create the IP schema on a network; Receiving a list of IP parameters associated with a device connected to the network; Receiving position encoding for the IP parameters that associates the IP parameters with bit positions within an IP address; Determining whether the first user is permitted to create the IP schema; Generating the IP schema based on the position encoding for the IP parameters in response to a determination that the first user is permitted; A controller including a circuit configuration configured to perform the above.

2. The controller further configured to: Receive a set of user-defined values corresponding to one or more attributes within a list of IP attributes; Determine a set of system-generated values corresponding to one or more attributes within the list of IP attributes; Determine the positions of the IP attributes within the IP address based on the set of user-defined attributes and the set of system-determined attributes. The system according to claim 1.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to receive the list of IP parameters associated with the device including the physical location of the device.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to receive the list of IP parameters associated with the device including the relationship between the device and a second device connected to the network.

5. A method for generating an Internet Protocol (IP) schema, comprising: Receiving a request from a first user to create the IP schema on a network; Receiving a list of IP parameters associated with a device connected to the network; Receiving position encoding for the IP parameters that associates the IP parameters with bit positions within an IP address; Determining whether the first user is permitted to create the IP schema; Generating the IP schema based on the position encoding for the IP parameters in response to a determination that the first user is permitted. The method comprising the above steps. Receiving a set of user-defined values corresponding to one or more attributes in the list of IP attributes; Determining a set of system-generated values corresponding to one or more attributes in the list of the IP attributes; Determining the positions of the IP attributes within the IP address based on the set of user-defined attributes and the set of system-determined attributes; The method according to claim 5, further comprising. Receiving a set of user-defined values corresponding to one or more attributes in the list of IP attributes; Determining the positions of the IP attributes within the IP address based on the set of user-defined attributes; The method according to claim 5, further comprising. Determining a set of system-generated values corresponding to one or more attributes in the list of IP attributes; Determining the positions of the IP attributes within the IP address based on the set of system-determined attributes; The method according to claim 5, further comprising. Claim 9 The method according to claim 5, further comprising generating the IP address, wherein the IP address includes an IP schema in a portion of the IP address. Claim 10 The method according to claim 5, further comprising generating an alert in response to a determination that the first user is not permitted. Claim 11 The method according to claim 5, further comprising receiving a list of the IP parameters associated with the device, including the physical location of the device. Claim 12 The method according to claim 5, further comprising receiving a list of the IP parameters associated with the device, including the relationship between the device and a second device connected to the network. Claim 13 A computer-readable medium including computer-executable instructions executable by a computer to cause the computer to perform operations for creating an Internet Protocol (IP) schema, the operations including: Receiving a request from a first user to create the IP schema on the network; Receiving a list of IP parameters associated with a device connected to the network; Receiving position encoding for the IP parameters that associates the IP parameters with bit positions within the IP address; Determining whether the first user is permitted to create the IP schema; Generating the IP schema based on the position encoding for the IP parameters in response to a determination that the first user is permitted; A computer-readable medium including the above. **Claim 14** The instructions executable by the computer cause the computer to: Receive a set of user-defined values corresponding to one or more attributes in a list of IP attributes; Determine a set of system-generated values corresponding to one or more attributes in the list of IP attributes; Determine the positions of the IP attributes within the IP address based on the set of user-defined attributes and the set of system-determined attributes. The computer-readable medium according to claim 13, configured as described above. **Claim 15** The instructions executable by the computer cause the computer to: Receive a set of user-defined values corresponding to one or more attributes in a list of IP attributes; Determine the positions of the IP attributes within the IP address based on the set of user-defined attributes. The computer-readable medium according to claim 13, configured as described above. **Claim 16** The instructions executable by the computer cause the computer to: Determine a set of system-generated values corresponding to one or more attributes in a list of IP attributes; Determine the positions of the IP attributes within the IP address based on the set of system-determined attributes. The computer-readable medium according to claim 13, configured as described above. **Claim 17** The instructions executable by the computer cause the computer to generate the IP address, the IP address including the IP schema in a portion of the IP address. The computer-readable medium according to claim 13. **Claim 18** The instructions executable by the computer cause the computer to generate an alert in response to a determination that the first user is not permitted. The computer-readable medium according to claim 13. **Claim 19** The instructions executable by the computer cause the computer to receive a list of the IP parameters associated with the device including the physical location of the device. The computer-readable medium according to claim 13. **Claim 20** The computer-readable medium according to claim 13, wherein the instructions executable by the computer are configured to cause the computer to receive a list of the IP parameters associated with the device, the list including a relationship between the device and a second device connected to the network.

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