IP Address Reuse via Unique Code Mediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The IPv4 network is facing IP address space issues due to rapid growth in wireless subscribers, necessitating alternative solutions before transitioning to the IPv6 network, which has a 128-bit address format that is harder to manage and more prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that reuses IP addresses within the IPv4 network by associating them with unique codes, such as CDMA spreading codes, allowing multiple devices to share the same IP address without disrupting network sessions, especially when users relocate within the same location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If IP addresses are reused with unique codes in IPv4 network, then the number of subscribers that can access the network increases, but the complexity of address management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces unique codes as an intermediary layer between IP addresses and mobile devices. Instead of directly managing IP address assignments, the system uses unique codes (such as CDMA spreading codes) as a mediator to differentiate devices sharing the same IP address. This intermediary mechanism allows multiple devices to share IP addresses while maintaining distinguishability, thereby increasing subscriber capacity without proportionally increasing management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the identification parameter from relying solely on IP addresses to using a combination of IP addresses and unique codes. By introducing this additional parameter (unique code), the system can distinguish between multiple devices using the same IP address. This parameter change transforms the address management system from a one-to-one mapping to a many-to-one mapping scenario, resolving the contradiction between subscriber quantity and management complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If IPv6 network is implemented to solve IP address space issues, then the available IP address space increases, but the ease of operation and error susceptibility worsen due to 128-bit address format
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing IPv4 infrastructure multi-functional by enabling it to serve both traditional unique IP address assignments and the new IP address reuse scenario. The system maintains compatibility with existing IPv4 protocols while adding the unique code differentiation layer, allowing the same network infrastructure to handle both cases without requiring migration to IPv6. This universal approach preserves ease of operation while effectively expanding address capacity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices share the same IP address with different unique codes, then IP address space utilization improves, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring device identity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device identification function into two independent parts: IP address (for network layer communication) and unique code (for device-specific identification). This segmentation allows the IP address to be shared among multiple devices while the unique code provides the necessary differentiation. The network can detect and measure device identity by examining the unique code component, which is transmitted alongside or in conjunction with the shared IP address, thereby resolving the detection difficulty.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to methods and systems for managing internet protocol (IP) addresses. In particular, the invention provides an approach to reuse IP address among multiple devices by combining the IP address and a unique code. By including a unique code, each mobile device using the same IP address is still easily identified. Further, the invention allows for reusing IP addresses within a single telecommunications sector such that devices in the same area may use the same IP address.