CPE DHCP Server Redundancy for Network Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In a virtual CPE environment, when a disconnection in the access network or a defect on the virtual platform occurs, the on-premises network is unable to communicate with the DHCP server, leading to IP address dispensing issues, causing network devices like file servers or printers to become unusable.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus connected to the virtual CPE via an access network, equipped with a communication confirmation unit and an address dispensing unit that can dispense an IP address to user terminals and forcibly release it when communication is re-established, ensuring continuous network service by operating a DHCP server locally on the CPE.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the DHCP server operates only on the virtual CPE, then the network structure is simple and centralized, but the system reliability deteriorates when access network disconnection or virtual platform defects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The DHCP server function is segmented and deployed on both the CPE and virtual CPE, creating distributed redundancy. This segmentation ensures that if one DHCP server becomes unavailable due to access network issues or virtual platform defects, the other can continue providing address dispensing services, thereby improving reliability without requiring complete centralization
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the operational state of DHCP servers based on communication status. When communication between CPE and virtual CPE is normal, the virtual CPE DHCP server is active; when communication fails, the CPE DHCP server is activated. This parameter change in server availability status maintains high reliability while managing system complexity through conditional activation
2Reliability
If the CPE operates a DHCP server locally, then the address dispensing reliability improves during network disconnection, but the device complexity and configuration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The CPE DHCP server is configured in advance as a standby service with pre-defined activation conditions. When network disconnection is detected, the pre-configured server automatically activates to provide address dispensing. This preliminary preparation ensures reliability during failures while minimizing the complexity of real-time decision-making and configuration changes
Solution Approach 2:
A communication confirmation mechanism acts as an intermediary between the CPE and virtual CPE to monitor network status and trigger appropriate DHCP server activation. This intermediary layer simplifies the complexity by providing a clear status indicator that automatically controls server activation, reducing the burden on CPE configuration and management
3Reliability
If redundant DHCP servers are deployed on multiple VMs, then the service continuity improves through VM switching, but the system cannot handle access network disconnections effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The DHCP service is segmented across different physical locations - one instance on the virtual CPE (managed by virtual platform VMs) and another on the CPE (managed by access network equipment). This segmentation allows each instance to handle specific failure scenarios: virtual platform failures are handled by VM switching, while access network disconnections are handled by the CPE-based server, providing comprehensive adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts which DHCP server is active based on the type of failure detected. For virtual platform issues, the system switches between VMs hosting the virtual CPE DHCP server. For access network disconnections, the system dynamically activates the CPE-based DHCP server. This dynamic adaptation ensures service continuity across different failure modes without requiring a fixed redundant structure
Data Source
AI summary
A communication apparatus connected to a virtual apparatus having an address dispensing function via an access network is provided, wherein the communication apparatus includes a communication confirmation unit configured to perform a communication confirmation between the virtual apparatus and the communication apparatus; and an address dispensing unit configured to dispense an address to a user terminal under control of the communication apparatus when communication between the virtual apparatus and the communication apparatus is not able to be confirmed by the communication confirmation unit, and the address dispensing unit causes the user terminal to forcibly release the address when the communication between the virtual apparatus and the communication apparatus is able to be confirmed by the communication confirmation unit.