Network Device Port LED Indicators Display IP Address
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Solution Overview
Problem
Some lower-cost network devices lack a serial interface for obtaining the IP address, making it inconvenient for users and costly to add a serial interface, with existing methods like fetching from a DHCP server or using a network sniffer being burdensome.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing existing LED indicators on network device ports to display the IP address through a new LED mode, where specific ports turn on and off to indicate digits and dots of the IP address.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a serial interface is added to provide IP address access, then the ability to obtain device information is improved, but the device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing LED indicators, originally designed solely for link status monitoring, are made multi-functional by enabling them to display IP address information as well. This allows the same hardware components to serve dual purposes: indicating physical connection status and conveying logical addressing information, thereby eliminating the need for additional serial interface hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The network device uses its own existing LED indicators to display its IP address information, making the device self-descriptive. The LED indicators that normally show link status now also serve to announce the device's identity and addressing information, allowing users to obtain IP address information directly from the device without requiring external tools or interfaces.
2Ease of operation
If existing methods like DHCP server fetching or network sniffer are used, then the IP address can be obtained, but the operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex software-based methods (DHCP server queries, network sniffing tools) with a simple visual display method using LED indicators. Instead of requiring users to run network diagnostic tools or query DHCP servers, the IP address is directly displayed through the LED patterns on the device itself, substituting a mechanical/visual interface for software-based solutions.
3Ease of operation
If LED indicators are used to display IP address, then the ease of operation is improved, but the LED indicator functionality becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The IP address display function is segmented into discrete LED indicator assignments, where each LED corresponds to a specific digit position or value range. This segmentation allows the complex information (IP address) to be broken down into simple, individually controllable LED states, making the display mechanism manageable despite the increased functionality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to easily and cost-effectively obtain the IP address of a network device by using existing LED indicators, eliminating the need for a serial interface and simplifying the process compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
the LED indicator on a numbered port can turn on and off to indicate the corresponding digit of the IP address
Data Source
AI summary
A method, network device, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium are provided for facilitating displaying an Internet Protocol (IP) address of a network device. During operation, the system detects an activation of an IP light-emitting diode (LED) mode on the network device, wherein the network device includes a set of numbered ports each with a corresponding LED indicator. Responsive to detecting the activation, the system initiates a sequence which indicates an IP address of the network device by: for each digit of the IP address, turning on and off the LED indicator for one of the numbered ports, the number of which corresponds to the value of the digit; and for each dot of the IP address, turning off all the LED indicators. Responsive to determining that the sequence is complete, the system returns to a default LED mode on the network device.