IP Network Device Discovery via Multicast Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Devices without an externally known IP address cannot be directly reached for communication over an IP network, making manual configuration error-prone and impractical for larger networks, and existing solutions are inadequate for automatic address assignment.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a discovery request sent to a specific multicast address and port allows devices to be identified and communicated with, using a unique identification parameter, enabling the device to configure itself and filter messages intended for specific hosts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual IP address configuration is used, then communication can be established, but the process is error-prone and impractical for larger networks
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically configures its own IP address by receiving configuration data from the host application through the multicast communication method, eliminating manual configuration and reducing errors
Solution Approach 2:
The host application pre-generates configuration data including IP address information and sends it to the device before the device needs to communicate, so the device is already configured when deployment occurs
2Extent of automation
If a network address server is used to automatically assign IP addresses, then configuration becomes automated, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the address assignment function from a centralized server and distributes it to individual host applications, eliminating the need for dedicated network address servers
Solution Approach 2:
Host applications serve multiple functions: they act as both communication endpoints and address assignment servers for devices, eliminating the need for separate dedicated address assignment infrastructure
3Ease of operation
If multicast discovery requests are sent to reach devices, then devices without IP addresses can be reached, but all devices listening to the multicast address are also reached
Solution Approach 1:
The device sends back a discovery response containing its unique identifier in reply to the multicast discovery request, allowing the host application to identify which specific device responded and target subsequent unicast messages accordingly
Solution Approach 2:
The communication process is segmented into two phases: initial multicast discovery phase to establish contact, followed by unicast communication phase using the obtained identifier for precise targeting, separating the broad discovery function from the specific communication function
Data Source
AI summary
A method is described for setting up a communication between a device (R1;R2) and a host application (A11; A12; A21; A22) over an IP network, where this device has no externally known IP address. The method includes the steps of:a. sending out a multicast discovery request by the host application to a specific multicast address and a specific port known by the device;b. the device responding to the discovery message with a multicast discovery response to the specific multicast address and specific port number, the discovery response including a unique identification parameter proper to the device and the host IP address and application port number;c. the host application accepting this identification message based on the host IP address and application port number and sending subsequent multicast messages to the specific multicast address and specific port and including the identification parameter;d. the device accepting the subsequent multicast messages based on the identification parameter and sending subsequent multicast messages to the specific multicast address and specific port and including the identification parameter and the host IP address and application port number.