Local Network Layer Address Generation Without DHCP or ARP Delay
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Solution Overview
Problem
The delay in obtaining and resolving network layer addresses due to signaling interactions in DHCP and ARP protocols affects end-to-end connection establishment and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A communication system where nodes generate network layer addresses locally using well-known information, a key derivation algorithm, and symmetric encryption, reducing the need for signaling interactions and ensuring security by encrypting MAC addresses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If DHCP protocol is used for network layer address allocation, then address allocation can be implemented, but signaling interaction overhead and delay increase
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal device generates its own network layer address using a key derivation function based on MAC address and random number, eliminating the need for DHCP server interaction. This self-service approach directly reduces signaling overhead and address allocation delay
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal device performs address generation in advance during the connection establishment process, before actual data transmission begins. The address is derived from pre-existing MAC address and randomly generated numbers, preparing the network layer address ready for immediate use
2Loss of time
If ARP protocol is used for MAC address resolution, then MAC address can be obtained, but signaling interaction and resolution delay occur
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal device independently generates the network layer address without needing to query other devices or servers. The address derivation is performed locally using the key derivation function, eliminating ARP signaling interactions and resolution delays
Solution Approach 2:
A cryptographic key derivation function serves as an intermediary mechanism that transforms the MAC address and random number into a network layer address through deterministic computation, replacing the need for interactive ARP protocol exchanges between devices
3Ease of operation
If MAC address is exposed in plain text, then address resolution is simplified, but security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The MAC address is transformed through a key derivation function with a random number to generate a network layer address. This parameter transformation obscures the original MAC address while maintaining the ability to derive the address deterministically, balancing security and functionality
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using the MAC address directly, a cryptographic copy or derivative of the MAC address is created through the key derivation function. This copied address form maintains the necessary identification properties while hiding the original MAC address structure for security purposes
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are a communication system, a method for generating a network layer address, and a related device. All nodes in the communication system belong to a same layer 2 network. Well-known information of the layer 2 network can be obtained by the node. The node obtains the well-known information and forms a well-known key based on the well-known information and a preset key derivation algorithm; obtains a local MAC address of a first node and forms a first random number; forms first plaintext data based on the local MAC address and the first random number; and encrypts the first plaintext data based on the well-known key and a symmetric encryption algorithm, to form a first network layer address. Each node forms the well-known key based on the well-known information and the key derivation algorithm, and forms the network layer address based on the well-known key, the local MAC address, and the symmetric encryption algorithm. Because the network layer address can be generated inside the node, signaling interaction between nodes is reduced, and delay overheads of obtaining the network layer address by the node itself are reduced.