Dynamic Interface Identifier Reassignment for Seamless Network Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy network devices with multiple communication interfaces face disruptions when switching from one interface to another, as their fixed device IDs become invalid, leading to service disruptions and user interaction requirements for re-provisioning.
Innovation Solution
Implement a system that allows network devices to autonomously configure and re-assign unique identifiers across multiple communication interfaces, enabling seamless access to service provider networks by analyzing responses to determine valid interfaces and re-assigning IDs as necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed device ID is assigned to a network interface, then the device can be provisioned in the network, but the device cannot switch interfaces without service disruption and re-provisioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the device ID assignment dynamic rather than fixed. The system automatically reassigns device IDs to different network interfaces based on availability and configuration, allowing the device to switch between interfaces (e.g., from MoCA to Wi-Fi) without manual intervention or service disruption. This dynamic ID allocation resolves the contradiction by enabling interface switching while maintaining service continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through autonomous device ID reassignment. When a device needs to switch interfaces, the system automatically detects the change, identifies the appropriate new interface, and reassigns the device ID without requiring user interaction or manual re-provisioning. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for user intervention while maintaining reliable service connection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If each network interface is assigned a dedicated device ID, then the device can be provisioned through a specific interface, but the previous device ID becomes invalid when switching to a different interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the device ID assignment flexible and interface-agnostic. Instead of binding a specific ID to a specific interface, the system allows any interface to assume the role of the provisioned interface. This multi-functional approach enables the device to use different interfaces (MoCA, Wi-Fi, Ethernet) for provisioning and communication, reducing the complexity of managing multiple dedicated IDs while maintaining the ability to switch between interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically modifying the device ID parameter when interface changes occur. The system monitors interface status and automatically updates the device ID parameter to reflect the current active interface. This parameter change mechanism simplifies the configuration management by maintaining a single active ID mapping rather than requiring complex tracking of multiple interface-ID associations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device ID is deleted and re-added when switching interfaces, then the device can access the service provider network through a new interface, but service disruption occurs and user interaction is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple network interfaces with appropriate device ID assignments before interface switching is needed. The system maintains a pool of available device IDs and pre-establishes the capability to reassigned IDs to different interfaces. When a switch is required, the system can quickly retrieve a pre-prepared ID mapping rather than performing complex provisioning operations from scratch, thereby reducing service disruption time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback mechanisms to monitor interface status and trigger automatic ID reassignment. The system continuously monitors which network interface is active and provides feedback to the ID management system. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts device ID assignments to match the current interface state, enabling seamless transitions without manual intervention or prolonged service disruption.
Data Source
AI summary
Dynamic configuration of identifiers of a computing device is described. A computing device may assign identifiers to interfaces, and may send one or more requests through one or more of the interfaces to access a network. A response to the request may be analyzed to determine whether it includes a code that the device understands to be from the network. If the response did not include such a code, the device may determine whether to re-assign the identifier currently assigned to a primary or default interface to another interface of the multiple interfaces.