IP Address Manager Container Hierarchy IPv4 IPv6 Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The inefficiencies in managing Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, including over- or under-allocation, and the complexity introduced by multiple IP versions such as IPv4 and IPv6, lead to challenges in allocating and reallocating addresses within computer networks, particularly during migration from IPv4 to IPv6.
Innovation Solution
An IP address manager system that creates data containers for storing and managing IP address blocks, allowing for the creation of container hierarchies and policies to facilitate efficient allocation and management of IP addresses across different versions, enabling allocation of both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses to the same subnet or host.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If system administrator over-allocates IP address blocks to networks or subnets to avoid running out of addresses, then IP address availability is improved, but IP address utilization efficiency deteriorates due to many unassigned addresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic IP address allocation where the system automatically adjusts address block assignments based on real-time network conditions and actual usage patterns. The system monitors address utilization metrics and reallocates addresses dynamically, transitioning from static over-allocation to adaptive allocation that matches actual demand, thereby improving both availability and utilization efficiency simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automated allocation where IP addresses are automatically assigned and reallocated without manual administrator intervention. The automated system monitors address pool status, predicts future needs, and performs reallocation based on established policies, eliminating the need for administrators to over-allocate as a safety margin while maintaining continuous address availability
2Loss of energy
If system administrator under-allocates IP address blocks to networks or subnets, then IP address utilization efficiency is improved, but IP address availability deteriorates requiring additional reallocation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors IP address utilization metrics across all networks and subnets. When address pools approach depletion, the system automatically triggers reallocation processes based on predefined policies and current network conditions, ensuring address availability is maintained without requiring initial over-allocation
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring allocation policies and establishing address pool thresholds before depletion occurs. When monitoring detects approaching limits, the system proactively initiates reallocation processes in advance, preventing address exhaustion before it impacts network operations
3Loss of energy
If system administrator reallocates address blocks among networks and subnets to correct allocation imbalances, then IP address utilization efficiency is improved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automated reallocation where the system autonomously performs address block reallocation based on monitored utilization metrics and predefined policies. The automated system evaluates allocation efficiency, identifies optimization opportunities, and executes reallocation without administrator intervention, eliminating time consumption and manual operational complexity while maintaining improved utilization efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual reallocation process with an automated computational system. The system uses algorithms to evaluate allocation states, predict optimization needs, and execute reallocation decisions, substituting human administrative actions with automated mechanical processes that operate continuously without time loss or manual complexity
4Adaptability or versatility
If networks and subnets require both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses during migration, then adaptability to multiple IP versions is improved, but device complexity and management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal address management system that handles multiple IP versions (IPv4 and IPv6) through a single integrated platform. The system provides multi-functional capabilities including allocation, monitoring, reallocation, and reporting for both address types simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate management systems and reducing overall complexity despite supporting multiple protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the management of IPv4 and IPv6 address pools into a unified system architecture. The combined system maintains separate address pool tracking for each version while providing integrated control mechanisms, policy enforcement, and reallocation capabilities, reducing management complexity by consolidating what would otherwise require disparate systems
Data Source
AI summary
An Internet Protocol address manager creates data containers for managing Internet Protocol addresses. Each data container can store one or more address blocks of Internet Protocol addresses and includes a container policy for managing the address blocks. Additionally, the Internet Protocol address manager creates links between the data containers to organize the data containers into a container hierarchy. The Internet Protocol address manager can then allocate the address blocks or portions thereof among the data containers in the container hierarchy according to the container policies. Moreover, each data container can be associated with a network or subnet of a computer network. Further, the Internet Protocol address manager can allocate or assign multiple Internet Protocol addresses of multiple Internet Protocol versions to subnets or hosts in the computer network.