IP Address Distribution via Position Information Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IP address distribution methods do not consider the physical configuration of a network, leading to inefficiencies in managing and assigning IP addresses, especially during device replacements, where manual intervention can result in errors and increased operational complexity.
Innovation Solution
An IP address distribution system that includes position information distribution apparatuses broadcasting position information packets, which are filtered by switch apparatuses to ensure only relevant devices receive the information, allowing IP address distribution apparatuses to assign addresses based on both position and device-specific information, thereby automating the assignment process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If IP address assignment is performed without considering physical network configuration, then the assignment process is simple, but device management becomes difficult and errors increase during device replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses position information packets that provide feedback about the physical location of devices in the network. The DHCP server receives this position information and uses it to automatically assign IP addresses that correspond to the physical network configuration, eliminating the need for manual IP address assignment and ensuring consistency during device replacements.
Solution Approach 2:
The device automatically receives position information and includes it in its DHCP request. The DHCP server then automatically assigns the appropriate IP address based on the position information without requiring manual intervention. This self-service mechanism ensures that the correct IP address is assigned based on physical location, improving both ease of operation and reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual IP address assignment is performed during device installation, then IP addresses can be customized, but operation errors occur and automation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic IP address assignment by having devices self-report their position information and the DHCP server automatically selecting appropriate IP addresses based on this information. This maintains adaptability to physical network configuration while eliminating manual intervention and associated errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of IP address assignment from manual configuration to automatic assignment based on position information. The DHCP server uses the position information parameter to determine which IP address from the available pool should be assigned, maintaining adaptability while achieving automation.
3Loss of information
If position information packets are broadcast to all devices, then all devices receive position information, but network traffic increases and irrelevant devices are notified
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the network into different physical locations or segments, and position information packets are broadcast only within specific segments. This ensures that only devices in the relevant segment receive position information, reducing unnecessary network traffic while maintaining complete information delivery to target devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements local quality by having position information packets targeted to specific physical locations or network segments rather than being universally broadcast. Each segment receives position information relevant only to devices in that segment, optimizing network efficiency while ensuring complete information delivery where needed.
Data Source
AI summary
An IP address distribution system according to the present invention includes a network containing a plurality of switch apparatuses (5, 6), IP address distribution apparatuses (3, 4) that assign an IP address according to a request from each of devices (7-10) connected to the switch apparatuses, and a plurality of position information distribution apparatuses (1, 2) that broadcast a position information packet containing position information into the network, wherein a specific physical port of at least one switch apparatus blocks the position information packet to cause only a single position information packet to be delivered to each of devices, the devices transmit an IP-address request signal containing the position information and device-specific information, when requesting assignment of an IP address, and the IP address distribution apparatuses select an IP address from a range corresponding to the position information and the device-specific information and distribute the selected IP address to a request source device, when receiving the IP-address request signal.