IP Address Segmentation for Wi-Fi Direct and Infrastructure Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face issues with data erroneous transmission due to identical IP addresses being distributed in infrastructure mode and Wi-Fi Direct connections, leading to security concerns and disrupted communication with network devices.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus and method that specifies and distributes unique IP addresses for different network connections, ensuring non-overlapping network parts between infrastructure mode and Wi-Fi Direct communications, thereby preventing erroneous data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the image forming apparatus distributes an IP address to the portable terminal via Wi-Fi Direct, then direct communication between wireless terminals is enabled, but the IP address may become identical to the IP address distributed via infrastructure mode DHCP, causing data erroneous transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the IP address management into two distinct parts: the network part (obtained from infrastructure mode DHCP) and the host part (managed locally by the image forming apparatus). By distributing only the host part through Wi-Fi Direct while keeping the network part consistent, the system enables direct communication without causing IP address conflicts, thus resolving the contradiction between communication versatility and data transmission reliability.
2Device complexity
If the IP address distributed via Wi-Fi Direct is made identical to the infrastructure mode IP address, then address management is simplified, but the apparatus cannot determine whether packets should be transmitted through infrastructure mode or Wi-Fi Direct path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a local DHCP server function in the image forming apparatus as an intermediary for Wi-Fi Direct connections. This local DHCP server distributes host parts of IP addresses independently from the infrastructure mode DHCP, acting as a mediator that resolves the conflict between simplified address management and proper packet routing determination. The separation allows the system to maintain both simplicity and routing accuracy.
3Reliability
If the technique of distributing IP addresses to only one communication interface is applied to avoid overlap, then data erroneous transmission is prevented, but communication with network devices on the other interface is disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing IP address distribution into two independent processes: infrastructure mode DHCP obtains the network part, while the local DHCP server distributes the host part for Wi-Fi Direct. This segmentation allows both communication interfaces to remain active and functional simultaneously without IP address conflicts, preventing data erroneous transmission while maintaining communication versatility across multiple network interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication apparatus that is capable of preventing data erroneous transmission without disturbing communication with a networking device. The communication apparatus is connectable with a plurality of networks including at least a first network and a second network. A specifying unit specifies an IP address of the communication apparatus that is used in communication with an external apparatus on the first network. A determination unit determines an IP address of which a network part is different from a network part of the IP address specified by the specifying unit as an IP address that will be distributed to an external apparatus on the second network. A distribution unit distributes the IP address determined by the determination unit to the external apparatus on the second network.