Dynamic IP Address Pool Management via DHCP Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing DHCP protocol statically links IP configuration of each interface to a pool, leading to substantial over-consumption of IP addresses due to fixed pool sizes, which are not efficiently adjusted for varying client connections and service subscriptions, resulting in increased waiting times and inefficient address allocation.
Innovation Solution
A method for dynamic IP address pool management, where a management entity receives allocation queries, selects or creates new IP address sets based on filling rates and other parameters, and communicates the selected set to the DHCP relay, allowing for on-the-fly creation of pools without manual reconfiguration, optimizing address allocation and usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If static IP address pools are used with fixed sizes, then address allocation is simple and stable, but IP address over-consumption occurs and allocation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic IP address pool management where the DHCP server can create, modify, and delete address pools in real-time based on actual network conditions and client needs. The pool size and characteristics change dynamically rather than being fixed statically, allowing the system to adapt to varying demand and eliminate address over-consumption while maintaining allocation stability through controlled dynamic adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key parameters of IP address pools including size, scope, and assignment criteria based on real-time monitoring of network usage patterns. The DHCP server adjusts pool parameters dynamically in response to client requests and network conditions, transforming the static parameter model into a flexible parameter-changing model that optimizes address utilization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual reconfiguration of IP pools is performed, then address allocation can be adjusted, but waiting time increases and operational complexity rises
Solution Approach 1:
The DHCP server implements self-service dynamic pool management by automatically monitoring network conditions, analyzing client address requests, and adjusting IP address pool configurations without manual intervention. The system autonomously creates new pools, expands existing pools, or reallocates addresses based on detected demand patterns, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration operations and associated waiting times.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes continuous feedback loops where the DHCP server monitors address allocation patterns, pool utilization rates, and client request trends. Based on this feedback information, the server automatically adjusts pool configurations in real-time, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing conditions without manual input and minimizes reconfiguration delays.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed-size IP pools are allocated to each interface, then configuration is straightforward, but address utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network addressing space into multiple dynamic IP pools that can be independently managed and allocated to different interfaces or client groups. Instead of one fixed pool per interface, the system creates multiple smaller dynamic pools that can be flexibly assigned, allowing efficient address utilization while maintaining configuration simplicity through automated pool management and assignment.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided of dynamically allocating an IP address, via a DHCP relay, to a client terminal within a communication network. The DHCP relay is able to choose the IP address within at least one first set of IP addresses that is administered by an entity for managing sets of IP addresses. The method implements: a first step of transmitting, to the entity for managing sets of IP addresses, a request to allocate an IP address to the client terminal; a second step in which the entity for managing sets of IP addresses selects a set of IP addresses within which to choose the IP address to be allocated from among: either the at least one first set of IP addresses; or at least one second set of IP addresses that is newly created as a function of at least one predetermined parameter; and a third step of allocating in respect of the client terminal at least one IP address chosen by the DHCP relay in the selected set of IP addresses.