DHCP Server IP Assignment Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In large-scale environments with numerous client devices, the static mapping of MAC-to-IP addresses using DHCP is inefficient and error-prone, requiring tedious manual processes for configuration and updates.

Innovation Solution

A computing device that stores MAC addresses, IP addresses, and device identifiers, using a network interface to receive DHCP requests and generate IP addresses, establishing a mapping relationship between MAC addresses and device identifiers for efficient IP address assignment, with optional use of service discovery protocols and access control databases for authorization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If static mapping of MAC-to-IP addresses is used in large-scale environments, then IP address assignment can be performed, but the process becomes extremely tedious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIP address assignment efficiencyVSAvoidTime for manual configuration and updates
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by having client devices automatically generate their own device identifiers and request IP addresses through DHCP without manual intervention. The DHCP server automatically processes these requests, generates IP addresses, and creates mapping relationships, eliminating the need for manual MAC address collection and configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-generating device identifiers for client devices before IP address assignment. The DHCP server maintains a database of device identifiers that are generated in advance, allowing rapid IP address allocation without requiring manual preparation of MAC address mappings for each device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If static mapping of MAC-to-IP addresses is used, then IP address assignment can be performed, but manual collection, storage and management of MAC addresses becomes extremely inefficient and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccuracy of IP address assignmentVSAvoidEase of managing MAC address mappings
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Client devices automatically generate their own device identifiers using their MAC addresses through a hashing algorithm, and the DHCP server automatically collects, stores, and manages these identifiers in a database. This eliminates manual collection and management of MAC addresses, reducing errors and improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the manual mechanical process of collecting and managing MAC addresses with an automated computational system. The DHCP server uses automated procedures to generate device identifiers, store them in a database, and manage IP address assignments, eliminating manual intervention and reducing errors.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If DHCP server configuration and mapping table need to be constantly updated, then network changes can be accommodated, but the manual process must be repeated which is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAbility to accommodate network changesVSAvoidSpeed of updating IP address assignments
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

When network changes occur, client devices automatically generate new device identifiers and send DHCP requests to the server. The DHCP server automatically processes these requests, updates the mapping database, and assigns new IP addresses without requiring manual reconfiguration, maintaining adaptability while improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The DHCP server maintains a pre-configured database structure and automated procedures for handling device registration and IP address assignment. When network changes occur, the server can rapidly process new device identifiers and update mappings using pre-established procedures, enabling quick adaptation to network changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If static allocation is used, then IP address assignment can be performed, but it is very rarely used in large-scale environments due to inefficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIP address management efficiencyVSAvoidComplexity of DHCP server operations
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex manual DHCP server operations with automated computational processes. The server automatically generates device identifiers using hashing algorithms, processes DHCP requests, manages IP address assignments, and maintains mapping databases through automated procedures, significantly improving productivity while managing complexity through standardization.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system transforms the DHCP operation mode by changing key parameters: instead of manual MAC address input, device identifiers are automatically generated through hashing; instead of static configuration files, dynamic databases are used; instead of manual updates, automated DHCP protocols are employed. These parameter changes enable scalability to large environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10462100B2Methods and apparatus for an IP address assignment
Publication Date: 2019.10.29 LENOVO GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES SWITZERLAND INTERNATIONAL GMBH
  • US10462100B2 patent drawing
  • US10462100B2 patent drawing
  • US10462100B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A computing device includes a processor storing a mapping relationship of MAC addresses, IP addresses and device identifiers of client devices, and a network interface. The network interface receives dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) requests from, and transmits IP addresses to client devices. The processor, in response to receiving a DHCP request, determines if an IP address has been generated for the client device. The processor assigns the IP address to the client device in response to determining that the IP address has been generated for the client device; and obtains a device identifier from the client device in response to determining that the IP address has not been generated. The processor generates an IP address for the client device, establishes a mapping relationship of the MAC address and device identifier of the client device with the generated IP address, and assigns the generated IP address to the client device.