DHCP Port Range Allocation for IPv4 Address Exhaustion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The growing number of client devices seeking network connections is leading to a decline in available IPv4 addresses, known as IPv4 address exhaustion, as each device requires a unique IP address for communication in packet-switched networks.
Innovation Solution
The system assigns unique network identifiers by combining an IPv4 address with a range of ports, allowing multiple client devices to share the same IPv4 address, with the size of the port range adjusted based on network traffic and functional capabilities, enabling efficient use of available ports and extending the usefulness of a single IPv4 address.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each client device is assigned a unique IPv4 address, then network communication reliability is ensured, but the limited number of IPv4 addresses leads to address exhaustion as the number of client devices grows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the traditional single IPv4 address identifier into a composite identifier consisting of an IPv4 address combined with a port range. This segmentation allows multiple client devices to share the same IPv4 address by assigning them different port ranges, thereby extending the address space without sacrificing communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to the addressing system by incorporating port ranges as a secondary identifier dimension. Instead of relying solely on the single dimension of IPv4 addresses, the system now uses a two-dimensional identifier (IPv4 address + port range), which exponentially increases the number of unique identifiers available.
2Productivity
If a fixed port range is allocated to each client device, then address assignment is simple and fast, but the port allocation is inefficient when network traffic patterns vary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic port range allocation where the size of the port range assigned to each client device is not fixed but adjusts based on observed network traffic patterns. The system monitors traffic volume and actively connects devices, allocating larger port ranges to devices with higher traffic demands and smaller ranges to those with lower demands, thereby optimizing port utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring network traffic patterns and using this information to adjust port range allocations. The traffic monitoring component provides feedback about actual usage patterns, which the allocation algorithm uses to optimize future assignments, creating a closed-loop system that improves efficiency over time.
3Loss of energy
If port ranges are dynamically adjusted based on traffic patterns, then port utilization is optimized, but the system complexity increases due to traffic monitoring and dynamic allocation logic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the system automatically monitors its own traffic patterns and performs dynamic port range adjustments without requiring external intervention. The traffic monitoring and allocation optimization are handled autonomously by the system itself, reducing the need for complex external management infrastructure.
4Quantity of substance
If larger port ranges are allocated to devices with more functional capabilities, then the address space utilization is maximized, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring device capabilities increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by requiring client devices to declare their functional capabilities during the initial connection establishment phase. This advance declaration allows the system to pre-calculate and allocate appropriate port ranges before the device becomes fully active, avoiding the need for continuous capability monitoring and simplifying the measurement process.
Data Source
AI summary
Computer systems and computerized methods for assigning network identifiers in a wireless or wired network are provided. A dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) server is employed to allocate a set of socket IP addresses that include a common IPv4 address paired with a selected group of ports, where none of the ports in the selected groups overlap. When assigned to a client device, a socket IP address that includes the IPv4 address together with a particular group of ports uniquely identifies the client device within the network. The particular group of ports is selected as a function of network traffic, a set of functional capabilities exhibited by the client device, or both. The network traffic is measured dynamically, periodically, or at some earlier time. The functional capabilities are conveyed from the client device or accessed at a user profile that is readable by the DHCP server.