DHCP Server Mediator for Roaming Node Server Discovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Roaming nodes in wireless networks face difficulties in accessing server information located in different networks due to the lack of the exact IP address of the server, even when the type of information and the network are known.

Innovation Solution

A mobile node locates a DHCP server, provides the general location and server type, and receives the IP address or FQDN from the DHCP server, allowing direct contact with the server node using either FA CoA or CCoA in foreign networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a roaming node uses traditional IP addressing without DHCP server assistance, then the node can maintain its home network IP address, but the node cannot access servers in foreign networks because the exact server IP address is unknown

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to access servers in foreign networksVSAvoidlack of exact server IP address

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The DHCP server acts as an intermediary between the roaming node and the target server. The node queries the DHCP server with location and server type information, and the DHCP server resolves this to the exact server IP address, enabling the node to access foreign network servers without knowing their addresses in advance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary registration of server information with the DHCP server before the roaming node needs to access them. Server location and type information is pre-configured in the DHCP server, allowing rapid resolution when a roaming node queries for servers in a foreign network

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a roaming node registers CoA with home network using MIP, then the node can receive data packets at its foreign location, but the node still cannot locate and access servers in other networks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata packet delivery to roaming nodeVSAvoidserver location and access

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The DHCP server performs multiple functions: it not only manages IP address allocation and maintains CoA registration information for roaming nodes, but also provides server location resolution services. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate server location discovery mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the roaming node knows only the type of information and network location but not the exact server IP address, then the node can identify what it needs, but the node cannot establish direct communication with the server

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveserver identification capabilityVSAvoidcommunication establishment process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The DHCP server serves as a mediator that translates high-level server identification information (type and location) into low-level communication parameters (exact IP address). This abstraction layer simplifies the roaming node's task while enabling direct server communication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS7720024B2Method and apparatus for obtaining server information in a wireless network

Publication Date: 2010.05.18 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

In a communications system where a mobile node seeks to establish contact with a server node within or outside the home network of the mobile node by first providing the general location information and the server type of the server node to a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server. The DHCP server then matches the provided information with its record in storage to arrive at an IP (Internet Protocol) address of the sought server node. The DHCP server then sends the IP address to the mobile node, thereby allowing the mobile node to directly access the server node.