Access Device Route Table via DHCP Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Layer 2 access devices in communication networks face challenges in distinguishing services and forwarding data based on layer 3 information due to their lack of dedicated IP addresses and the complexity introduced by enabling route protocols, which increases network load and reduces their plug-and-play advantage.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) access response messages to extract and manage route-related information, creating or updating route tables within access devices to distinguish services and forward data based on destination IP sub-networks, thereby reducing the need for layer 3 addresses and simplifying network management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If route protocols are enabled on user-side ports to obtain layer 3 route information, then route information can be acquired, but network complexity and load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the access device monitors DHCP access response messages to obtain route information indirectly, rather than directly implementing route protocols. This intermediary approach allows the access device to acquire necessary layer 3 route information while maintaining its layer 2 transparency and avoiding the complexity of full route protocol implementation.
2Loss of information
If route protocols are enabled to obtain layer 3 route information, then routing capability is improved, but layer 2 device simplicity and plug-and-play advantage are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The access device performs self-service by autonomously monitoring DHCP access response messages to build and update its own route table without requiring manual configuration or complex route protocol negotiations. This self-service mechanism preserves the plug-and-play advantage while enabling the device to acquire necessary layer 3 route information independently.
3Reliability
If static configuration is used to provide route information, then routing capability is ensured, but administrative workload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static configuration approach into a dynamic mechanism where the access device automatically monitors DHCP access response messages and dynamically builds and updates its route table. This dynamic approach ensures reliable routing capability while eliminating the need for manual static configuration, thereby reducing administrative workload.
4Quantity of substance
If layer 2 devices are made transparent to layer 3 to save IPv4 addresses, then address conservation is achieved, but service differentiation capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds another dimension to the layer 2 transparent access device by enabling it to monitor and process layer 3 DHCP messages. This dimensional addition allows the device to acquire route information and provide service differentiation based on destination IP sub-networks while maintaining its fundamental layer 2 transparency and continuing to conserve IPv4 address usage.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention provides a method for creating routes in access devices of the communication network by using access response messages. With the method provided by the present invention, services can be distinguished and forwarded based on destination IP sub-networks, so that different services can be distributed in access devices. In this way, on the premise that services are distinguished based on layer 3, the requirements for access devices are reduced and layer 2 networks on the user side are not required to carry out route protocols, which decreases administrators' maintenance work and is the important condition for the realization of plug&play and reduces the requirements for marginal routers.