IP Configuration Manager for Automatic Direct Connection Setup
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for configuring Internet Protocol (IP) addresses in computer networks often result in administrators needing to manually configure devices, which is time-consuming and requires detailed knowledge, especially when physical access is limited or network access is unavailable, due to issues with DHCP reservations, static IP configurations, and lack of Ethernet ports.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for activating IP configurations by detecting direct IP connections between nodes and maintaining separate IP configurations for communication, allowing automatic switching to a suitable configuration upon detection of a direct connection, using an IP connection detector and IP configuration manager.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual IP configuration is used, then the administrator can ensure correct IP address assignment, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires detailed knowledge of the network and device
Solution Approach 1:
The device stores multiple pre-configured IP address sets in non-volatile memory, each associated with different network connection types (e.g., direct connection, switched connection). When a connection is detected, the system automatically selects and applies the appropriate pre-configured IP addresses, eliminating the need for manual configuration while ensuring correctness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects the type of network connection through the Ethernet controller and autonomously selects the appropriate IP configuration without requiring administrator intervention. The device configures itself by reading the connection type and applying the corresponding pre-stored IP addresses, reducing both time and knowledge requirements.
2Extent of automation
If DHCP is used for IP address assignment, then the configuration process is automated, but the administrator loses control over specific IP address assignments and may not receive a usable address
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on DHCP to assign addresses, the system pre-configures multiple IP address sets in non-volatile memory before operation. Each address set is prepared in advance with knowledge of the connection type, ensuring that when a connection occurs, a usable IP address is immediately available without DHCP intervention.
3Ease of operation
If the administrator needs local access to the device, then diagnostic tests and hardware access become possible, but network access requirements and physical access constraints create barriers
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its IP configuration based on the detected connection type. When a direct connection is detected (indicating local access need), the system automatically switches to the IP address set optimized for direct connections, enabling local access without requiring complex manual configuration or physical access constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and arrangements for activating Internet Protocol (IP) configurations are discussed. Embodiments include transformations, code, state machines or other logic for activating in an end node an IP configuration suitable for IP communications between the end node and another end node upon the detection of a direct IP connection of the end node to another end node. In some embodiments, the other end node may have a direct IP connect only to the end node. In some embodiments, the suitable IP configuration may involve a static IP address which has been published. In some embodiments, detecting a direct IP connection with another node may be accomplished by detecting a crossed-over Ethernet connection. In some embodiments, an operating system device driver may activate the suitable IP configuration. In other embodiments, an embedded system may activate the suitable IP configuration.