Network Device Configuration via Unique Tag Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
In industrial networks, setting connection information for network devices without knowing their IP addresses is challenging, especially when devices have the same initial IP addresses, requiring physical site visits and additional equipment like DHCP servers, which increases labor and costs.
Innovation Solution
A connection setting information managing system uses a setting virtual network with unique tag names and multicast addresses, allowing devices to communicate and set connection information without relying on their IP addresses, enabling remote and automated configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network devices are installed before setting connection setting information, then device installation flexibility is improved, but setting work requires much labor and physical site visits
Solution Approach 1:
The network device performs self-identification by transmitting its unique identifier (serial number or MAC address) to the setting tool automatically upon connection to the IP network. The setting tool automatically retrieves connection setting information corresponding to the device's identifier from storage, eliminating the need for manual configuration input and physical site visits for setting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (physical site visits, manual configuration entry) with automated electronic communication. The setting tool automatically communicates with network devices over the IP network to retrieve identifiers and corresponding connection settings, substituting the mechanical process of manual configuration with electronic data exchange.
2Ease of manufacture
If same IP address is set for network devices at shipment time, then device manufacturing simplicity is improved, but communication conflict occurs requiring physical site visits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the identification function from the IP address function. Network devices use their unique identifiers (serial numbers or MAC addresses) for identification purposes, while IP addresses are assigned separately for communication. This segmentation allows devices to maintain simple factory default settings while avoiding IP conflicts through automatic identifier-based recognition.
Solution Approach 2:
The setting tool acts as an intermediary between network devices and the configuration system. It receives unique identifiers from devices, retrieves corresponding connection setting information from storage, and automatically configures devices without requiring direct communication between devices with conflicting IP addresses.
3Ease of operation
If setting tool changes IP address to access network devices, then access capability is improved, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The setting tool automatically determines which network device it needs to access by receiving the device's unique identifier. It then automatically retrieves the corresponding IP address and connection settings from storage without requiring manual IP configuration or subnet analysis, simplifying the operation while maintaining accessibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a connection setting information administration system, which is configured such that a network apparatus which is connected on an IP network sets connection setting information, for carrying out communications via the IP network, with a setting tool. A connection setting information storage unit is disposed in the connection setting information administration system, and stores connection setting information which includes a unique tag name which is allocated to the network apparatus. The setting tool sets the connection setting information upon the network apparatus on the basis of the unique tag name upon the network apparatus.