Automated LAN Device Discovery and IP Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Establishing initial communication with a device on a local area network can be challenging due to the need to find the device's IP address and lack of network expertise, often requiring IT assistance.
Innovation Solution
A method and software application that automatically discovers and connects to devices on a LAN by broadcasting requests, using primary or alternate IP addresses, and generating new alternate IP addresses if necessary, to facilitate communication with minimal user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user manually establishes communication with a device on a LAN, then communication can be established, but the process requires significant user time and IT expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically discovering devices on the network and pre-configuring communication parameters before the user needs to communicate. The host computer automatically scans the network, identifies available devices, and prepares connection settings in advance, eliminating the need for users to manually search for IP addresses or configure network settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the host computer to autonomously establish communication with devices on the LAN without requiring IT personnel assistance. The automatic device discovery and connection establishment processes allow end users to independently resolve communication setup tasks that previously required specialized technical knowledge.
2Reliability
If IT personnel assist with device connection, then communication can be established correctly, but the complexity of the process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary software application that mediates between the user and the complex network configuration processes. This application handles device discovery, IP address identification, and connection parameter configuration automatically, shielding users from the underlying complexity while ensuring reliable communication establishment through proper network protocols and settings.
3Measurement precision
If users need to know device IP addresses and network configuration, then precise communication can be established, but the difficulty of operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical processes of network configuration with automated electronic discovery and identification mechanisms. Instead of users manually entering IP addresses or configuring network parameters, the system uses electronic device discovery protocols to automatically identify devices, retrieve their network addresses, and configure communication settings through software-based automation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, a computer-readable medium, a software application, and a com¬ puter-based apparatus for initially establishing communication with a device (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160) on a local area network (LAN) (100, 200) in a substantially automated manner. A broadcast discovery request is transmitted (310) over the network and the network is monitored (320) for responses from devices connected to the network. A responding device is selected and a determination (350) is made as to if a primary IP address of the selected device is within a predetermined sub¬ net. Otherwise, a determination (355) is made as to if a current alternate IP ad¬ dress of the selected device is within the predetermined subnet. Otherwise, a new alternate IP address is generated (359) and may be conditionally assigned (390) to the selected device. One of the primary IP address, the current alternate IP ad¬ dress, or the new alternate IP address is used to connect to the selected device for the purpose of communicating with the selected device.