Cellular Network IP Address Discovery via DNS Cell-ID Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cellular networks lack a method to discover Internet Protocol (IP) addresses of nodes when only non-IP-related identifications, such as cell identifiers, are known, hindering IP-based connections during handovers or data transmissions.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes Domain Name System (DNS) requests by converting cell identifiers into internet domains, allowing DNS to resolve IP addresses, either through local databases or external servers, ensuring unique top-level and second-level domains for each node within the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cellular networks use non-IP identifiers (cell-ID) for node identification, then network compatibility and existing infrastructure are maintained, but IP address discovery capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Domain Name System (DNS) as an intermediary between cell-ID and IP address. The DNS server acts as a mediator that receives DNS queries containing cell-ID, looks up the corresponding IP address in its database, and returns the IP address to the querying node. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining compatibility with existing cell-ID identification while enabling IP address discovery through the DNS intermediary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the DNS system universal by allowing it to serve dual purposes: its traditional domain name resolution function and the new function of mapping cell-ID to IP address in cellular networks. This multi-functionality approach enables IP address discovery without requiring a separate dedicated system, thus maintaining network compatibility while adding the needed capability.
2Loss of information
If a new IP address discovery method is developed specifically for cellular networks, then IP address discovery capability is improved, but device complexity and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by reusing the existing DNS infrastructure for both traditional domain name resolution and cellular network IP address discovery. Nodes use standard DNS query protocols to discover IP addresses, avoiding the need for specialized discovery devices or complex proprietary protocols. This reduces implementation complexity while maintaining IP address discovery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables nodes to perform IP address discovery autonomously by sending DNS queries with cell-ID and receiving IP address responses without requiring external intervention or complex coordination mechanisms. Each node can independently discover IP addresses of target nodes using the standard DNS protocol, simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Device complexity
If existing DNS infrastructure is utilized for cell-ID to IP address mapping, then implementation complexity is reduced, but DNS query format compatibility must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter being queried in DNS from traditional domain names to cell-ID identifiers. Instead of modifying the DNS protocol structure, the solution changes the content parameter (the identifier used in queries) to accommodate cellular network needs while maintaining DNS operational integrity. This allows existing DNS infrastructure to be used with minimal modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the identification system into two distinct parts: cell-ID for node identification in cellular networks and IP address for data transmission routing. The DNS system serves as the bridge between these segmented identification layers, allowing each to operate independently while maintaining compatibility through the DNS mapping mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for discovering an Internet Protocol address of a target node in a cellular network, said target node serving a cell of said network. The method comprises determining an identification of the cell served by said target node; issuing a request for providing the Internet Protocol address of said node, including said cell identification; and obtaining a response including said Internet Protocol address.