Automatic IP Range Selection with CIDR Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configuring network services for computing resources requires selecting an IP address range using CIDR format, which must not overlap with existing ranges and be large enough to accommodate all resources, but existing tools lack error checking, leading to potential misconfigurations and catastrophic failures.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system for automatic IP range selection that visualizes default values for IP range, address prefix, address space, and number of addresses, using a GUI to verify and error-check administrator input, ensuring the chosen IP range is non-overlapping and sufficient, thereby preventing network misconfigurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automatic IP range selection is implemented, then configuration accuracy and reliability are improved, but system complexity increases due to additional validation and error-checking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary validation and error checking on IP range configurations before the configuration is applied to the network. The validator checks whether the IP range is valid, non-overlapping, and properly formatted according to CIDR notation, preventing misconfigurations before they can cause network failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate feedback to users when configuration errors are detected, such as overlapping IP ranges, invalid CIDR notation, or ranges that don't accommodate the required number of resources. This feedback mechanism guides users to correct their input and ensures configuration accuracy.
2Device complexity
If manual IP range selection is used, then system complexity is reduced, but configuration errors and misconfigurations increase leading to potential network failures
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically validates and checks the IP range configuration without requiring manual verification by the user. The validator self-checks whether the configuration meets all requirements (non-overlapping, valid CIDR format, sufficient address space), reducing reliance on user expertise while maintaining high configuration accuracy.
3Reliability
If error checking and validation are added to IP range selection tools, then network reliability is improved by preventing misconfigurations, but the ease of operation decreases due to additional validation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by preventing incorrect configurations from being applied to the network. The validator blocks misconfigurations (such as overlapping IP ranges or invalid CIDR notation) before they can affect network operation, thereby protecting network reliability while maintaining ease of operation through automatic prevention rather than manual intervention.
4Stability of the object's composition
If IP range selection requires adherence to CIDR format and non-overlapping constraints, then network stability is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases due to stricter configuration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical configuration processes with automated digital validation. Instead of relying on users to manually ensure CIDR format compliance and non-overlapping constraints, the validator automatically checks these requirements, reducing the burden on users while maintaining network stability through consistent enforcement of configuration standards.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system and computer program product for automatic IP range selection is provided. The GUI accepts user input for a parent IP range and IP range size, from which is calculated an address space prefix that corresponds to the address space that has the available IP range size. If the user does not provide input, the GUI fields are dynamically populated with default values for IP range, address prefix, address space, IP range, and number of addresses, wherein the default values are retrieved from a system IP network configuration.