IP Address Manager with Policy-Based Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The inefficiencies in managing Internet Protocol (IP) addresses within computer networks, including over- or under-allocation of IP address blocks, lead to resource scarcity and a tedious reallocation process, necessitating a more effective management system.
Innovation Solution
The development of an Internet Protocol address manager that creates data containers for storing and managing IP address blocks, including container policies and hierarchies, to facilitate efficient allocation and management of IP addresses among networks and subnets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If system administrators manually allocate IP address blocks to networks and subnets, then IP addresses can be assigned to network hosts and devices, but the allocation process becomes tedious and time-consuming when reallocation is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic IP address allocation through policy-based management. The IP address manager automatically allocates addresses from address blocks to networks and subnets based on predefined container policies, eliminating the need for manual administrator intervention in routine allocation tasks and enabling self-service capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides dynamic reallocation of IP address blocks through automated policies. When network conditions change or address blocks need reassignment, the system can automatically reallocate addresses based on current policy rules, making the allocation process flexible and adaptive rather than static and manual.
2Reliability
If system administrators over-allocate IP address blocks to networks and subnets to avoid running out of addresses, then sufficient addresses are available for all potential hosts, but many allocated addresses remain unassigned and wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system allocates IP addresses in controlled portions rather than entire blocks at once. Container policies enable incremental allocation where addresses are distributed as needed to networks and subnets, avoiding the need to over-allocate entire address blocks upfront while ensuring sufficient addresses are available through on-demand allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms through policy-based management that monitors address usage and automatically triggers reallocation when needed. The IP address manager continuously evaluates address block utilization and can automatically redistribute addresses from underutilized networks to those requiring additional addresses, optimizing utilization in real-time.
3Loss of substance
If system administrators under-allocate IP address blocks to networks and subnets, then fewer IP addresses are wasted, but additional IP addresses are needed after allocation to network hosts and devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary allocation of IP address blocks to container objects representing networks and subnets before actual address assignment to hosts occurs. This preliminary structuring enables efficient on-demand allocation, ensuring addresses are available when needed while maintaining optimal utilization through policy-controlled distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides dynamic address allocation that adapts to actual network needs. Rather than static under-allocation, the policy-based system can automatically allocate additional addresses from parent address blocks to child networks as they are created or expand, ensuring sufficient addresses are always available without permanent over-allocation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual reallocation of address blocks among networks and subnets is performed, then IP address distribution can be adjusted, but the process is tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic reallocation through policy-based management. When address blocks need to be redistributed among networks and subnets, the IP address manager automatically executes reallocation based on predefined container policies, eliminating the need for manual administrator intervention and significantly reducing reallocation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides dynamic reallocation capability where address block distribution can be automatically adjusted in response to changing network conditions. Policies enable the system to adaptively reallocate addresses among networks and subnets as needs change, making the reallocation process flexible and responsive rather than requiring tedious manual reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
An Internet Protocol address manager creates data containers for managing Internet Protocol addresses. Each data container can store an address block of Internet Protocol addresses and includes a container policy for managing the address block. 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 assign an Internet Protocol address contained in the address block of a data container to a network host or host device in the network or subnet associated with the data container.