CIM-Based DHCP Server Management Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual configuration of DHCP servers, relays, and agents is error-prone and inefficient, leading to suboptimal network management in IP address allocation and management.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a Common Information Model (CIM)-based management system that defines classes for DHCP servers and relays, enabling automated configuration and management through CIM management applications, which include core, capability, and setting classes, as well as statistical tracking, to improve configuration efficiency and accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual configuration is used for DHCP server and relay, then flexibility in configuration is maintained, but error rate increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service through automated configuration where the DHCP server and relay automatically obtain configuration parameters (such as IP address pools, lease times, and relay addresses) from the network management system without requiring manual intervention. This eliminates human errors while maintaining configuration flexibility through programmable parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual configuration process with an automated electronic system. The network management system uses electronic communication protocols to automatically configure DHCP servers and relays, substituting manual operator actions with automated software-controlled processes that improve both accuracy and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual configuration is used for DHCP server and relay, then configuration flexibility is maintained, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The network management system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring DHCP server and relay parameters centrally before deployment. Configuration data such as IP address pools, subnet information, and lease time settings are prepared in advance and automatically distributed to multiple DHCP servers and relays, eliminating the need for individual manual configuration at each device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal configuration approach where a single network management system can configure multiple types of network devices (DHCP servers, relays, and agents) using the same automated mechanisms. This multi-functional system maintains flexibility across different device types while dramatically reducing configuration time through standardized automated processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3048756B1Management method and apparatus for dynamic host configuration protocol server and relay
Publication Date: 2019.09.11 ZTE CORP
  • EP3048756B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3048756B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3048756B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

Provided are a method and device for managing a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server and a method and device for managing a DHCP relay. The methods comprises that: a Common Information Model (CIM)-based DHCP server and/or a CIM-based DPCH relay class is defined; and a network management system configures and manages, by a CIM management application mechanism, the DHCP server which implements the DHCP server class and/or on the DHCP relay which implements the DHCP relay class. By the present disclosure, a problem caused by the fact that at least one of DHCP server configuration and/or the DHCP relay configuration is implemented by manual configuration in the related art is solved, and configuration efficiency is improved.