Network Device Identification Assignment via Neighbor Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assigning unique device identifications in networked devices require a central server, which is inefficient and prone to errors, especially in network infrastructures like Ethernet switches, and manual assignment is time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A method using a neighborhood detection protocol where devices exchange device information to derive and assign unique identifications based on network topology, without the need for a central server, ensuring location-dependent and automatic assignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a central server is used for device identification assignment, then device identification can be assigned, but the system complexity increases and assignment efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Each network device autonomously assigns device identifications to itself and other devices in the network segment without requiring a central server. The device uses its own identification and neighbor relationship information to generate identifications for adjacent devices, eliminating the need for centralized management infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the device identification assignment function from a centralized server and distributes it to individual network devices. Each device performs the assignment function locally based on its own identification and detected neighbor relationships, removing the dependency on central server infrastructure.
2Loss of time
If manual device identification assignment is used, then device identification can be assigned, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Devices automatically perform identification assignment through self-service mechanisms. When a device is added to the network, it autonomously generates its identification based on its own identification and neighbor relationship information exchanged through detection protocols, eliminating manual configuration time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having devices continuously maintain and exchange neighbor relationship information through detection protocols. This pre-established information foundation enables immediate automatic identification assignment when new devices are added, without requiring manual intervention or system reconfiguration.
3Ease of operation
If DHCP protocol is used for automatic IP address assignment, then address assignment is automated, but location-dependent assignment capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by making device identification assignment location-dependent through neighbor relationship detection. Each device's identification is generated based on its specific position in the network topology and its detected neighbors, ensuring that identical device types at different locations receive different identifications appropriate to their local context.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters used for identification assignment from generic DHCP pool addresses to location-specific identifications derived from device identification and neighbor relationship parameters. This transformation enables the assignment system to adapt to different network topologies and device positions while maintaining automatic operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an assignment method for assigning device identifications for network devices connected to a network and a network device configured for this purpose using a protocol for neighbourhood detection. From a first configured network device (100) which is connected to the network and to which a first device identification has been assigned, this first device identification is transmitted together with its own device information to a neighbouring network device (101) which is connected to the network. After the device information containing this first device identification is received by this neighbouring network device (101) which is connected to the network, on the basis of the first device identification a device identification of its own is in turn derived for this network device, is assigned to this network device and can be transmitted by this network device (101) together with its own device information to a further network device (102), if present, which is connected to the network neighbouring this network device. For each further network device (102, 103), after device information containing a device identification is received, on the basis of the device identification contained therein a device identification of its own is in turn derived at least once, is then assigned to this further network device and can be sent by this further network device together with its own device information to another further network device (103) which is connected to the network neighbouring this further network device.