Managed Network Device Self-Assigning IP Addresses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Managed network devices in wireless digital networks face challenges with IP address allocation, particularly in the absence of a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) service, as existing methods like manual configuration, APIPA, and SLAAC are inefficient, error-prone, or not feasible for fully operational networks.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves managed network devices self-assigning internal IP addresses within a reserved link local address space, performing conflict checks, and reassigning if necessary, allowing them to operate autonomously and be managed without external DHCP or static IP configurations, enabling full network functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual configuration of static IP addresses is used for managed network devices, then IP address allocation can be accomplished, but the process becomes inefficient and error-prone due to human input

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIP address allocation accuracyVSAvoidConfiguration efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The managed network device automatically self-assigns an internal IP address from a reserved link local address space when DHCP service is unavailable, eliminating the need for manual configuration and reducing human error while maintaining efficient deployment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The device pre-configures itself with an internal IP address from the reserved address space before network operation begins, ensuring immediate readiness without waiting for manual configuration or DHCP service availability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If DHCP service is used for IP address allocation, then automated IP address assignment is achieved, but additional resource costs and external service dependencies are incurred

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIP address assignment automationVSAvoidNetwork service dependency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The managed network device autonomously self-assigns an internal IP address from a reserved link local address space when DHCP service is unavailable, eliminating external service dependency while maintaining automated IP address assignment capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The device changes its IP addressing mode dynamically, switching between DHCP-obtained addresses and self-assigned internal addresses from the reserved link local space based on DHCP service availability, reducing external dependencies

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If APIPA is used for IP address self-configuration, then IP addresses can be assigned without DHCP service, but the method is limited to non-routed small scale environments and does not enable fully operational networks

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveNetwork environment compatibilityVSAvoidNetwork operational capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The managed network device acts as an intermediary by maintaining a reserved link local address space for internal communications between managed devices, enabling fully operational networks without DHCP while extending beyond small-scale APIPA limitations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extends APIPA concepts to a network dimension by establishing reserved link local address spaces that enable routed, multi-device operational networks rather than仅限于 small-scale non-routed environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Extent of automation

If SLAAC is used for IP address autoconfiguration, then IPv6 network devices can configure themselves automatically, but internal IP addresses for management interface communication are not provided

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIP address autoconfigurationVSAvoidManagement interface accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments IP addressing into two distinct functions: SLAAC provides automated external IPv6 address configuration, while the reserved link local address space provides internal IP addresses for management interface communication, combining automation with management accessibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9712383B2Device abstraction in autonomous wireless local area networks

Publication Date: 2017.07.18 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP

AI summary

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a managed network device assigns to itself an IP address, in absence of a DHCP service, in a link local address space within a wireless network. The system further responds to a network frame received from another device based on the assigned IP address in the link local address space. The network frame can be a network traffic frame, a control path frame, and/or a management frame. The control path frame comprises a source IP address and a destination IP address that correspond to internal IP addresses in the link local address space that are self-assigned by managed network devices. The management frame comprises the self-assigned internal IP address for the managed network device, and provides for management of managed network devices in the wireless network through a single IP address when a virtual controller is configured for the wireless network.