IPv6 Configuration Tool for IPv4 Station Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stations connected to IPv4 local IP communication networks without a DHCP server require manual configuration of IPv4 parameters, which is complex and requires technical expertise, especially when accessing current parameters and modifying PC settings to match station settings.
Innovation Solution
A method using configuration equipment with an IPv6 communication stack to discover and configure IPv4 parameters of a station, employing WEB services like DPWS for discovery, parameterization, and transfer of IPv4 settings over the IPv6 protocol, allowing stations with dual IPv4/IPv6 stacks to connect to IPv4 networks without needing DHCP.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration of IPv4 parameters is used without DHCP server, then stations can connect to IPv4 networks, but the configuration process becomes complex and requires technical expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary configuration device that mediates between the station and the IPv4 network. This device automatically discovers the station's IPv6 address, determines appropriate IPv4 parameters, and configures the station without requiring user intervention or technical expertise, thus resolving the contradiction between network adaptability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration device performs self-service by automatically discovering the station's IPv6 address, determining IPv4 parameters, and completing the configuration process without human intervention. This eliminates the need for users to have technical knowledge while maintaining the ability to connect to IPv4 networks
2Reliability
If PC settings are modified to match station settings, then communication between PC and station is established, but the configuration process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the PC to be configured to match the station, the patent inverts the approach by having the configuration device automatically determine the PC's IPv4 parameters based on the station's characteristics and network environment. This ensures reliable communication while simplifying the configuration process and reducing device complexity
3Ease of operation
If IPv6 protocol is used for configuration communication, then configuration can be simplified, but compatibility with IPv4-only stations must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration device is designed with multi-functionality to handle both IPv6 communication for configuration purposes and IPv4 communication for operational purposes. It can discover stations using IPv6, determine appropriate IPv4 parameters, and ensure the station can communicate on both protocols, thus achieving both configuration simplicity and protocol compatibility
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for configuring a station (10) using a configuration device (40), the station (10) being intended to communicate on a local IP communication network (50) using the IPv4 protocol. The method comprises a step of discovering a first IP address of the station (10) conforming to the IPv6 protocol, the discovery step being carried out by the configuration device (40) which communicates with the station (10) using web services via the IPv6 protocol, a step of setting in the configuration device (40) a second IP address conforming to the IPv4 protocol, and a step of transferring the second IP address conforming to the IPv4 protocol to the station (10).