Distributed BNG IPv4 Address Utilization via 32-bit Mask
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited availability of IPv4 addresses and the complexity of managing them due to the need for small subnets and multi-netting practices lead to increased operational costs and inefficiencies in network operations, as well as the challenge of supporting websites that only use IPv4, which are not accessible via IPv6.
Innovation Solution
A distributed broadband network gateway (BNG) architecture that simplifies IPv4 address management by using a 32-bit subnet mask and IP address of the BNG as the router, eliminating the need for centralized BNGs and allowing for efficient IPv4 address utilization, thereby reducing waste and operational complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multi-netting technique is used to share small IPv4 subnets across subscribers, then IPv4 address utilization is improved, but network operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the network into distributed BNG instances at different network locations, each independently managing IPv4 address allocation for local subscribers. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex multi-netting by allowing each BNG instance to use a /32 subnet mask with a single IPv4 address, simplifying network operations while maintaining efficient address utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the subnet mask parameter from traditional smaller subnets (e.g., /24, /25) to a /32 subnet mask at each distributed BNG instance. This parameter change allows each BNG to use a single IPv4 address efficiently, eliminating the need for multi-netting techniques and reducing operational complexity while maximizing address utilization.
2Ease of operation
If centralized BNG is used to control subscriber bandwidth, then bandwidth management is improved, but network operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized BNG function into multiple distributed BNG instances deployed at different network locations. Each distributed BNG instance independently performs bandwidth management for local subscribers, eliminating the need for a single complex centralized BNG while maintaining effective bandwidth control through local decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional centralized BNG architecture to a multi-dimensional distributed architecture where BNG functions are spread across multiple network locations. This dimensional change allows bandwidth management to occur locally at each BNG instance, simplifying operations while maintaining control effectiveness.
3Quantity of substance
If small IPv4 subnets are purchased for operations, then IPv4 address acquisition is improved, but address waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the subnet mask parameter to /32 at each distributed BNG instance, allowing each instance to use a single IPv4 address efficiently. This eliminates the traditional need to purchase and manage larger subnets (e.g., /24, /25), reducing address waste while maintaining the ability to acquire IPv4 addresses through standard channels.
Solution Approach 2:
Each distributed BNG instance independently manages its own IPv4 address allocation using a /32 subnet mask, allowing the system to maximize utilization of acquired addresses without requiring complex centralized management. This self-service approach eliminates address waste by ensuring each address is efficiently utilized at its point of deployment.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and techniques for distributed broadband network gateway for maximizing IPv4 address utilization. A dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) offer message is received by a distributed broadband network gateways (BNG) connected to a network. The DHCP offer message may have been forwarded from a DHCP server. The DHCP offer message is modified to replace an option 1 subnet mask with a 32-bit subnet mask and replace an option 3 router address with an internet protocol address of the distributed BNG to create a modified offer message. The modified offer message is transmitted to a user computing device. A route with a 32-bit subnet mask for the user computing device is advertised to other routers internal to the network of the broadband service provider.