Dynamic Namespace Configuration Protocol for Content-Centric Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current Content-Centric Networks (CCNs) lack an automated mechanism for initial device configuration and namespace setup, relying on manual processes which are inefficient and inadequate for dynamic network environments.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a Dynamic Namespace Configuration Protocol (DNCP) that allows devices to broadcast an interest message with a predetermined name prefix, triggering a response from a DNCP service that provides necessary configuration information for namespace setup, including forwarding information base entries and service namespaces, ensuring devices can operate correctly within the CCN network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual configuration processes are used for device initialization in CCN networks, then configuration accuracy can be maintained, but network setup time and operational complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidnetwork setup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables devices to automatically configure themselves by broadcasting interest messages and receiving namespace configuration information from DNCP services without requiring manual intervention. The device autonomously processes the received configuration data and applies it to its forwarding information base and service namespaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The DNCP service pre-prepares namespace configuration information including forwarding information base entries and service namespace definitions before devices need them. When a device broadcasts its interest message, the configuration is already available for immediate transmission, eliminating the need for manual configuration steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Extent of automation

If manual configuration processes are used for device initialization in CCN networks, then configuration control can be maintained, but automation level and network efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration automation levelVSAvoidconfiguration process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables devices to automatically configure themselves by broadcasting interest messages and receiving namespace configuration information from DNCP services without requiring manual intervention. The device autonomously processes the received configuration data and applies it to its forwarding information base and service namespaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If manual configuration processes are used for device initialization in CCN networks, then configuration reliability can be maintained, but operational efficiency and scalability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork initialization efficiencyVSAvoidconfiguration reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where devices broadcast interest messages to discover DNCP services and receive configuration information. The DNCP service responds to these broadcasts with appropriate namespace configuration data, creating a closed-loop feedback system that ensures reliable automatic configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The DNCP service pre-prepares namespace configuration information including forwarding information base entries and service namespace definitions before devices need them. When a device broadcasts its interest message, the configuration is already available for immediate transmission, eliminating the need for manual configuration steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2928118B1System and method for dynamic name configuration in content-centric networks
Publication Date: 2020.08.12 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC
  • EP2928118B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2928118B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2928118B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for automatic configuration of a computing device in a content-centric network (CCN). During operation, the system sends, by the computing device on at least one of the computing device's faces, an interest in configuration information. The interest has a predetermined name prefix. The system then receives a content object in response to the interest. The content object includes at least a default name prefix, to which the computing device can send other interests. The system further configures the computing device based on the received content object.