Network Address Assignment via Topological Location Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

In large Ethernet networks, especially those configured as supercomputers, the process of assigning IP addresses using MAC addresses is lengthy and complex, requiring extensive collection and management of MAC addresses, which becomes even more challenging with diverse network elements and frequent hardware failures.

Innovation Solution

The process involves determining the location of a network element within the network, using topological and connection port identifiers to assign IP addresses more quickly and homogeneously, by iteratively assigning addresses through interconnection network elements closer to the addressing server, reducing the need for prior knowledge of all MAC addresses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If MAC addresses are used to assign IP addresses in large Ethernet networks, then network address assignment can be performed, but the process becomes lengthy and complex requiring extensive collection and management of MAC addresses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork address assignment accuracyVSAvoidaddress assignment time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the MAC address management burden from the addressing server by implementing a distributed approach where network switches maintain and provide MAC address information locally. This eliminates the need for the addressing server to collect and manage all MAC addresses centrally, significantly reducing the time and complexity of address assignment while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces network switches as intermediary elements between terminal devices and the addressing server. These switches act as mediators that cache and provide MAC address information, reducing the direct burden on the addressing server and enabling faster address assignment without compromising reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the addressing server collects and manages all MAC addresses to ensure security, then correct IP address assignment is achieved, but the configuration becomes long and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIP address assignment securityVSAvoidaddressing server configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the MAC address management function from the addressing server and distributes it to network switches. This segmentation maintains security by ensuring MAC address verification still occurs, but reduces the addressing server's configuration complexity by eliminating the need to centrally manage all MAC addresses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Network switches are empowered to autonomously manage and provide MAC address information from their own forwarding tables. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex centralized MAC address management configuration while maintaining security through the switch's built-in MAC address filtering and verification mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the complete list of MAC addresses is required for network operation, then proper IP addressing can be performed, but the process becomes dependent on diverse network element types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork setup efficiencyVSAvoidnetwork element diversity handling

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal approach where network switches, regardless of manufacturer or model, can provide MAC address information through standardized protocols. This universality enables the system to handle diverse network element types without requiring type-specific configuration, improving both productivity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10491564B2Process for assigning a network address to a terminal network-element, network, interconnection network-element, addressing server and associated terminal network-element

Publication Date: 2019.11.26 BULL SA

AI summary

The invention relates to a process for assignment, by an addressing server for a network, of a network address to a terminal network-element connected to one of the connection ports of one of the interconnection network-elements of said network, comprising: transmission of a network address request by said terminal network-element to said interconnection network-element, the determination by said interconnection network-element of a location of said terminal network-element where said location combines a topological identifier for said interconnection network-element with at least one identifier for said connection port, the transmission by said interconnection network-element to said addressing server of said request with said location, assignment by said addressing server to said terminal network-element of said network address based on said location.