IP Packet Group Number Encoding for VLAN-Free Network Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional network grouping methods using VLAN switches require extensive labor for setup and maintenance, and are inefficient in environments where IP addresses change frequently, such as DHCP environments.

Innovation Solution

A method for generating IP packets with an optional data area that includes a group number, allowing network grouping without a VLAN switch, where communication apparatuses manage their own group numbers and can transmit control commands, enabling simultaneous transmission and remote control within groups.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a VLAN switch is introduced for network grouping, then network management capability is improved, but device complexity and labor requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork management capabilityVSAvoidVLAN switch requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the network grouping function from the VLAN switch hardware and implements it through software-based IP packet manipulation. By removing the dependency on VLAN switch hardware and implementing grouping logic within standard IP packets using option fields, the solution eliminates complex networking equipment while maintaining network management capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Communication apparatuses autonomously manage their own group assignments by incorporating group identification information directly into their IP packets. Each apparatus self-configures its group membership without requiring centralized VLAN switch control, enabling distributed network grouping that reduces hardware complexity while maintaining management functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If VLAN switch setup is changed to reconfigure groups, then network grouping flexibility is improved, but maintenance labor increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork grouping flexibilityVSAvoidmaintenance labor

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic network grouping where group assignments can be changed by modifying IP packet options rather than reconfiguring VLAN switch hardware. This allows network groups to be dynamically reconfigured through software updates to individual apparatuses, providing flexibility without the labor-intensive VLAN switch reconfiguration and wiring changes required by traditional approaches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If physical wiring is changed to accommodate VLAN switch configuration, then network grouping accuracy is improved, but ease of manufacture and deployment worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork grouping accuracyVSAvoidwiring configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wiring-based VLAN configuration system with a software-based IP packet option system. Instead of physically connecting devices to specific VLAN switch ports, group membership is encoded in IP packet options, eliminating the need for physical wiring changes while maintaining precise network grouping through logical rather than physical separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS7796595B2Packet generation method, communication method, packet processing method and data structure

Publication Date: 2010.09.14 SOCIONEXT INC

AI summary

The objective of the present invention is to perform network grouping without employing a VLAN switch.Communication is performed by using the data structure for an IP packet that includes an IP data portion and an IP header that has an option area, for which a group number area for defining a group, consisting of a plurality of communication apparatuses, is provided as an arbitrary data area following an option end position indicator area.