Residential Gateway IP Prefix Renewal Without Reboot
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G networks, end user devices connected to residential gateways may be left with invalid IP addresses when a new IP prefix is assigned, leading to service disruptions unless the gateway is rebooted, which is inconvenient and disrupts IPv6 services.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for a residential gateway to notify end user devices of invalid IP addresses and automatically renew them using a new IP prefix without requiring a hard reboot, by communicating packet data and receiving a second IP prefix, and informing devices through various means such as HTTP redirects or disabling wireless connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a new IP prefix is assigned to the residential gateway, then the gateway can obtain updated network routing information, but end user devices are left with invalid IP addresses causing service disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway performs preliminary actions by notifying end user devices of the upcoming IP prefix change before the actual renewal occurs. This allows devices to prepare for the transition, ensuring service continuity rather than sudden disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway acts as an intermediary between the network and end user devices during the IP prefix transition. It manages the renewal process centrally, coordinating the prefix change across all connected devices to maintain overall network reliability while minimizing individual service disruptions.
2Reliability
If the residential gateway is rebooted to renew IP addresses, then all devices can obtain valid IP addresses again, but user access is disrupted and service is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
End user devices are enabled to perform self-service during the IP address renewal process. When notified by the gateway, devices autonomously renew their own IP addresses using the new prefix without requiring gateway reboot or manual user intervention, thereby maintaining continuous user access.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway provides preliminary notification to devices about the impending IP address renewal, allowing devices to proactively renew their addresses before service disruption occurs. This eliminates the need for gateway reboot while ensuring IP address validity is maintained.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the residential gateway hard reboots to apply new IP prefix, then network configuration is updated, but service disruption occurs and user convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway implements preliminary notification mechanisms that inform end user devices of the upcoming IP prefix change before the renewal is executed. This advance notice allows devices to prepare and transition smoothly, eliminating service downtime associated with hard reboots while ensuring proper network configuration updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway serves as an intermediary coordinator that manages the IP prefix transition process without requiring physical reboot. It mediates between the network's need for updated configuration and the users' need for continuous service, orchestrating a seamless transition that preserves both adaptability and time efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A residential gateway to facilitate network access to a network, comprises at least one processor and at least one memory. The at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the residential gateway to: communicate packet data for IP services being provided to an end user device and the network, the end user device having been assigned an IP address based on a first IP prefix assigned to the residential gateway; receive a second IP prefix assigned to the residential gateway; and notify the end user device that the IP address assigned to the end user device is no longer valid based on receipt of the second IP prefix.