IP Address Assignment via Network Path Information
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional IP address allocation methods do not consider the physical wiring path of a communication network, leading to potential IP address conflicts and operational issues when a terminal is reconnected to the same network position.
Innovation Solution
An IP-address distribution device that uses a path-information obtaining unit and IP-address specifying unit to allocate IP addresses based on the physical wiring path, ensuring that the same IP address is consistently assigned to a terminal connected to the same network position by maintaining an IP-address correspondence table.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If IP address is allocated based on MAC address only, then IP address can be assigned quickly and simply, but IP address conflicts occur when terminal is reconnected to different network positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the IP address allocation process into two independent parts: MAC address identification and path information identification. The path information is further segmented into switch port identifiers and VLAN identifiers. This segmentation allows the system to maintain both simplicity (through MAC address matching) and reliability (through path-based differentiation), as each segment serves a specific function in the overall allocation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces path information (including switch port identifiers and VLAN identifiers) as an intermediary element between the terminal device and the IP address. This intermediary ensures that IP addresses are allocated not only based on the terminal's MAC address but also based on its physical network position, thereby preventing IP address conflicts when terminals are moved to different network locations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If IP address is dynamically reassigned to any terminal with same MAC address, then network flexibility is improved, but operational stability deteriorates due to IP address changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by obtaining and storing path information (switch port identifiers and VLAN identifiers) before allocating the IP address. This preliminary action ensures that the system is aware of the terminal's network position in advance, allowing it to make informed allocation decisions that maintain both flexibility and stability. The path information is cached and used for subsequent allocation decisions, preventing unnecessary IP address changes.
3Area of stationary object
If path information is obtained through multiple Ethernet switches, then network coverage is expanded, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where Ethernet switches automatically respond to allocation requests by providing their port identifiers and VLAN identifiers. This feedback loop simplifies the path information acquisition process, as the distribution device can obtain necessary path information directly from the switches without requiring complex manual configuration or additional infrastructure. The feedback mechanism scales naturally with network size, allowing expansion to multiple switches without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A path-information obtaining unit 11a obtains a piece of path information of a communication network by inquiring a port number of an Ethernet switch 12 that transmits a MAC address of a request source of an IP address. An IP-address specifying unit 11b specifies an IP address that corresponds to the piece of path information of the communication network by referring to an IP-address correspondence table 11c, and distributes the specified IP address to the request source of an IP address.