Broadband Network System Using Endpoint Identifier for IP Address Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The shortage of IP addresses in broadband networks leads to resource waste due to the indication of Endpoint Identifier (EID) by IP address, which is not efficiently managed in existing technologies.

Innovation Solution

A broadband network system and method where terminals request and use non-IP-address EIDs, such as national identification numbers or domain name system numbers, for packet transmission and reception, with the Broadband Remote Access Server (BRAS) analyzing and encapsulating these EIDs to route packets correctly, reducing the need for IP addresses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If IP addresses are used to identify terminals in broadband networks, then routing and communication can be established, but IP address shortage occurs and resources are wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIP address quantityVSAvoidnetwork adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the identification function from the routing function by introducing EID (Endpoint Identifier) as a separate layer from IP address. The EID layer handles terminal identification while the IP address layer handles routing, allowing terminals to be identified without consuming valuable IP address resources. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling communication functionality while reducing IP address consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces EID as an intermediary between the terminal and the IP address system. The EID acts as a mediator that carries terminal identification information without requiring unique IP addresses for each terminal. This intermediary mechanism allows multiple terminals to share IP address resources while maintaining individual identification, thus resolving the IP address shortage problem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If EID is used for terminal identification instead of IP address, then IP address resource waste is reduced, but packet routing and forwarding complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIP address usage efficiencyVSAvoidrouting complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network protocol stack into distinct EID and IP address layers, with clear functional separation. The EID layer handles terminal identification and the IP layer handles routing, allowing each layer to operate independently. This segmentation reduces routing complexity by preventing EID information from interfering with IP-based routing decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses encapsulation to copy EID information into packet headers without altering the original IP address routing structure. The EID is embedded as additional header information that can be processed separately from the IP routing logic, allowing routers to forward packets based on IP addresses while preserving EID for terminal identification purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP2498450B1Broadband network system and implementation method thereof
Publication Date: 2019.09.11 ZTE CORP
  • EP2498450B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2498450B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2498450B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This disclosure discloses a broadband network system and an implementation method thereof. The method comprises the steps that: a terminal transmits an IP address request message to the network side (S10); after receiving the IP address request message, the network side returns the EID of the terminal (S20); the terminal uses the received EID as the address to transmit and receive packets (S30). With this disclosure, the demands of the broadband network on the IP address are reduced.