Centralized Configuration with Dynamic IP Address Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current remote network device management and configuration in wireless digital networks are prone to errors due to the need for physical presence of administrators and require extensive human and network resources, especially when managing and configuring network devices in remote offices that need to communicate with central corporate offices.
Innovation Solution
A centralized configuration system with dynamic distributed address management, where remote network devices establish a secure connection with a central node to receive configuration information and IP address allocation, reducing the need for local storage and minimizing human intervention by maintaining a list of allowed nodes and IP address pools at the central node.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If administrators manually configure network devices in remote offices, then configuration can be performed with existing tools, but the process is prone to errors and requires physical presence of administrators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service configuration where remote network devices automatically obtain configuration information and IP addresses from the central server without requiring physical administrator presence. The devices autonomously perform configuration tasks that previously required manual intervention, eliminating human errors associated with manual configuration while maintaining ease of operation through automated processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical administrator presence and manual configuration with an automated electronic system. The central server communicates with remote devices through network protocols, substituting the mechanical process of physical configuration with automated digital configuration transmission and application, thereby improving reliability while reducing operational complexity
2Extent of automation
If administrators manually allocate IP addresses in a central corporate office, then address management can be controlled centrally, but the process requires significant human resources and network resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service IP address allocation where remote network devices automatically receive IP addresses from the central server's pool without requiring manual allocation. The system autonomously manages address assignment, eliminating the need for human resources to perform manual IP allocation while maintaining centralized control through the server-based architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-configuring IP address pools and configuration templates on the central server before remote devices need them. The server maintains ready-to-allocate address pools and configuration profiles that can be automatically deployed to remote devices, eliminating the need for real-time manual address assignment and reducing network resource requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If configuration information is stored locally on remote network devices, then devices can operate independently, but backup and recovery processes become complex and resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a central server as an intermediary between remote network devices and the configuration storage system. The server acts as a mediator that receives configuration information from administrators, stores it centrally, and distributes it to remote devices. This intermediary approach maintains device independence for operation while simplifying backup and recovery through centralized storage, eliminating the complexity of managing local backup systems at each remote location
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a network device and/or method for centralized configuration with dynamic distributed address management. The disclosed network device receives, at a first network node, a range of sub network addresses and a specified size for a sub network. The disclosed network device then divides the range of sub network addresses into a plurality of sub-ranges of sub network addresses based on the specified size. Further, the network device allocates the plurality of sub-ranges of sub network addresses to a plurality of sub networks, and transmits an allocated sub-range of sub network addresses to a corresponding sub network at a second network node through an established secure communication channel. Moreover, the network device can retrieve a profile template that includes the range of sub network addresses and the specified size of the sub network; and create a profile based on the profile template.