Network Node Discovery via IPv6 Multicast Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for discovering network devices are inefficient, unreliable, and incomplete due to dynamic changes in network connections and security protocols, particularly with IPv6, which makes it difficult to obtain a comprehensive list of connected devices.
Innovation Solution
The use of an IPv6 multicast packet that requires a response to identify network devices by tracking parameter problem messages, combined with interrogation packets to detect services and malware operating on ports, allowing for dynamic discovery and monitoring without requiring additional software on network nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional crawling methods are used to discover network devices, then the method is simple to implement, but the discovery is slow, unreliable, and incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of actively crawling to discover devices (traditional approach), the patent inverts the approach by having devices automatically respond to presence announcements. The announcing device sends out announcements and the discovering device receives responses, reversing the active/passive roles of traditional crawling methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the discovering device sends presence announcements and the announcing device responds with presence information. This bidirectional feedback ensures reliable discovery while allowing the system to adapt to dynamic network changes through periodic announcements and responses.
2Adaptability or versatility
If network devices dynamically connect and disconnect without notification, then network flexibility is improved, but complete device listing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having devices send presence announcements before actual communication occurs. The discovering device periodically sends presence announcements to potential announcing devices, ensuring that device information is obtained proactively before the device disconnects or changes state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through repeated presence announcements at predetermined intervals. The discovering device continuously sends announcements and receives responses periodically, ensuring that dynamic changes in network device connectivity are captured and information remains complete and current.
3Ease of operation
If connection changes occur without notification, then device autonomy is improved, but network monitoring reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by having announcing devices automatically respond to presence announcements without requiring manual configuration or notification mechanisms. Each device autonomously manages its own presence information, responding automatically when contacted by the discovering device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback to maintain monitoring reliability despite device autonomy. The discovering device receives automatic presence information feedback from announcing devices, creating a reliable monitoring system where autonomous devices voluntarily provide connectivity status information through structured announcements and responses.
Data Source
AI summary
Discovering nodes of a network is disclosed. A multicast group of the network is sent an Internet Protocol multicast packet that requires a receiver of the packet to provide a response packet. One or more Internet Control Message Protocol replies from one or more nodes that belong to the multicast group are received. A listing of nodes of the network is determined using the one or more received replies.