IP Address Management Text String Association for IPv6 Readability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IPAM tools struggle to effectively manage complex IPv6 networks due to their non-human-readable nature, making it difficult for network managers to understand and manage large, geographically diverse IP address spaces, especially in larger enterprises.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of techniques that associate text strings with numeric numbers for IP address management, including using vendor-based MAC address information, to facilitate easier understanding and management of IPv6 networks by substituting user-friendly names for network components, such as Global Routing Prefix, Subnet ID, and Interface ID, and correlating MAC addresses with asset inventory for enhanced security and visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If IPv6 addresses are used to manage large IP address spaces, then the capacity to manage larger networks is improved, but the human-readability and ease of management deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that maps human-readable text strings to numeric IPv6 address components. This mediator layer allows network managers to interact with familiar text-based identifiers while the system internally handles the complex IPv6 addressing, resolving the contradiction between capacity and readability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the IPv6 address into manageable components (Global Routing Prefix, Subnet ID, Interface ID) and associates each segment with a human-readable text string. This segmentation allows network managers to work with discrete, meaningful portions of the address space rather than dealing with the entire complex address structure at once.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex IPv6 addressing structures are implemented, then the network management capacity is improved, but the complexity of understanding and managing networks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system acts as an intermediary that translates between complex IPv6 addressing structures and simplified text-based representations. This mediator handles the complexity internally while presenting a simplified interface to network managers, maintaining adaptability while reducing perceived complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal mapping system that can handle various IPv6 address formats and structures through a common text-string interface. This multi-functional approach allows the same simplified interface to work across different IPv6 configurations, reducing the need for specialized knowledge of each addressing scheme.
3Ease of operation
If traditional IPAM tools are used, then the simplicity of the tools is maintained, but the effectiveness in managing large diverse networks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances traditional IPAM tools by adding universal text-string mapping capabilities that work across diverse network configurations. This allows existing simple tools to effectively manage large, complex networks by layering intelligent mapping functionality on top of familiar interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically performs text-string associations and mappings without requiring manual configuration for each network scenario. This self-service capability maintains tool simplicity while improving effectiveness, as the system adapts to diverse networks automatically rather than requiring complex manual setup.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for associating text strings with numeric numbers for IP address management are provided. In some embodiments, various techniques for an IPAM device for associating text strings with numeric numbers for IP address management are disclosed. In some embodiments, system, method, and/or computer program product for an Internet Protocol Address Management (IPAM) system for managing an Internet Protocol (IP) address space for an enterprise network, includes associating a text string with a substring of a network address; and storing the text string in association with the substring of the network address in the IPAM system for managing the IP address space for the enterprise network.