In-Game Switch IP Address Management for Network Gaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard IP-based protocols and network devices struggle to manage and distribute IP addresses efficiently in large network gaming environments, such as casinos, especially during system start-up after power outages, leading to network flooding and device inoperativity due to the overwhelming number of service discovery requests.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an in-game IP address management system with an in-game switch that intercepts service discovery requests, extends leases for default internal IP addresses without central DHCP server communication, and manages IP address distribution during system start-up, allowing gaming machines and devices to boot up without network flooding, and subsequently reassigns IP addresses once external and internal information is received from DHCP servers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a centralized DHCP server is used to manage IP addresses in a large network gaming environment, then IP address distribution can be centralized and controlled, but during system start-up after power outages, the server becomes overwhelmed by simultaneous requests from 10,000 to 30,000 network devices, causing delays of several minutes and network flooding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized DHCP server into distributed DHCP relay agents located at network switches. Each relay agent handles IP address requests for devices in its local segment, preventing overwhelming traffic from reaching the central server simultaneously. This segmentation distributes the processing load across multiple network points, resolving the contradiction between centralized management and fast distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces DHCP relay agents as intermediary components between network devices and the central DHCP server. These relay agents intercept and forward DHCP requests, managing the distribution process locally before involving the central server. This intermediary layer prevents direct overwhelming of the central server while maintaining centralized IP address management policies.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standard IP-based protocols are used without modification, then network compatibility is maintained, but during catastrophic situations like full casino power outages, the network experiences flooding as all devices simultaneously broadcast service discovery requests
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having DHCP relay agents pre-configured at network switches before power outages occur. When devices boot up, the relay agents are already in place to intercept and manage DHCP requests, preventing the simultaneous broadcast flood that would occur with standard protocols. This preliminary positioning of control points eliminates network flooding while maintaining protocol compatibility.
3Reliability
If gaming machines and in-game devices set themselves up in non-communicable address ranges when DHCP information is not received timely, then devices can continue operating locally, but they become isolated from the network and cannot communicate with other systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses DHCP relay agents as intermediaries to ensure devices receive proper IP address information before full network operation begins. The relay agents manage the timing and distribution of DHCP responses, preventing devices from self-configuring with isolated addresses. This intermediary control maintains both device operability and network connectivity by ensuring proper address assignment before network communication begins.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems and methods for managing Internet Protocol (“IP”) addresses in a network gaming environment comprising a plurality of electronic gaming machines, having one or more in-game network devices. In particular an in-game switch is provided, which is configured to receiving an external IP address from a centrals DHCP server and to determine a scope of internal IP addresses associated with the one or more in-game network devices. Once the scope is determined, the in-game switch is configured to lease IP addresses from the address scope block to the associated in-game network devices.