IPv6 Address Generation for Network Service Discovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing IP address management systems, particularly IPv4, are inadequate for the growing number of network devices, leading to difficulties in discovering network services and setting up filtering, routing, and IPsec due to the lack of direct association between network services and IP addresses.

Innovation Solution

A network device that generates an IP address with an objective association to the network service, allowing for easier discovery and configuration of services by embedding a port number in the IPv6 address suffix and performing duplication checks to ensure uniqueness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If IPv4 addresses are used, then network devices can communicate, but the number of available addresses is insufficient for the growing number of devices and services

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of available IP addressesVSAvoidability to support growing number of devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from IPv4 (32-bit addresses) to IPv6 (128-bit addresses), fundamentally changing the address parameter to provide vastly more addresses. This enables the system to accommodate the growing number of network devices and services while maintaining unique identification for each device and service instance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If automatic IP address setup is used, then address assignment is simplified, but there is no direct association between IP address and network service making discovery and configuration difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of IP address assignmentVSAvoiddifficulty of discovering network services

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the IP address with service identification information by embedding the service port number directly into the IPv6 address suffix. This combination allows the IP address to simultaneously serve as both a network location identifier and a service identifier, enabling automatic assignment while maintaining direct associability with network services for easy discovery and configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple IP addresses are assigned to network devices, then service differentiation is enabled, but address management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to provide multiple servicesVSAvoidcomplexity of address management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the IPv6 address into a prefix part (64 bits) and a suffix part (64 bits). The prefix identifies the network or organization, while the suffix contains the service port number. This segmentation allows multiple services to be distinguished through the suffix while keeping the prefix manageable, reducing overall address management complexity while enabling service differentiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS7779158B2Network device

Publication Date: 2010.08.17 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

In a network device which provides a predetermined network service according to a request of a user, an IP-address generating unit is configured to generate an IP address from a value having an association with the network service, the IP address indicating an objective association with the network service. A service provision unit is configured to set up the generated IP address for the network device to provide the network service using the generated IP address.