Network Identifier Resolution for Conflicting Static IP Assignments

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The manual process of identifying and removing conflicting static IP addresses from network devices is inefficient and prone to errors, leading to network conflicts when devices are reassigned or transferred.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for determining and resolving duplicate IP addresses by receiving device identifiers and IP addresses, comparing them against a database, and sending deprovisioning messages to correct network devices to remove conflicting IP assignments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual identification and removal of conflicting IP addresses is performed, then network device assignments can be corrected, but the process is inefficient and prone to errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of IP address conflict resolutionVSAvoidefficiency of IP address conflict resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by having network devices automatically report their IP address provisions to the network manager, which then automatically detects conflicts and sends deprovisioning messages without requiring manual technician intervention. This automated self-correction mechanism improves both reliability through consistent detection and productivity by eliminating manual labor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The network manager implements feedback by continuously receiving status information from network devices about their IP address provisions, comparing this data against the authoritative IP address assignment database, and automatically sending corrective deprovisioning messages when conflicts are detected. This closed-loop feedback system ensures reliable conflict resolution while maintaining high efficiency through automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If manual checking of each network device is performed to identify conflicting IP addresses, then conflicting addresses can be removed, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of conflict identificationVSAvoidtime required for conflict resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Network devices automatically provide information about their IP address provisions to the network manager without requiring manual inspection. This self-reporting mechanism ensures complete identification of all conflicts across the network while eliminating the time-consuming manual checking process, as the system autonomously gathers and analyzes device status information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The network manager serves multiple functions: it maintains the authoritative IP address assignment database, receives status reports from all network devices, detects conflicts by comparing data, and sends deprovisioning messages. This multi-functional universal system handles the entire conflict resolution process centrally, ensuring complete conflict identification across all devices while dramatically reducing the time required compared to individual manual checks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If automated systems are implemented to detect and resolve IP conflicts, then efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation level of IP address conflict resolutionVSAvoidcomplexity of network management system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network manager acts as an intermediary between the IP address assignment database and network devices. It receives status information from devices, compares it against the authoritative database, and sends deprovisioning messages when conflicts are detected. This intermediary approach automates the entire conflict resolution process, improving productivity while managing complexity by centralizing the logic in a single coordinating system rather than distributing it across multiple devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If comprehensive monitoring of all network devices is implemented, then all IP conflicts can be identified, but the system becomes more complex and resource-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of conflict detectionVSAvoidcomplexity of monitoring system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network manager serves as a centralized intermediary that receives status information from all network devices and compares it against the authoritative IP address assignment database. This centralization ensures comprehensive and accurate conflict detection across the entire network while managing system complexity by consolidating the monitoring and analysis logic in a single location rather than distributing it across multiple devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12574350B2Methods, systems, and apparatuses for determining network identifiers
Publication Date: 2026.03.10 COMCAST CABLE COMM LLC
  • US12574350B2 patent drawing
  • US12574350B2 patent drawing
  • US12574350B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods, apparatuses, and systems are described for determining network devices associated with old, incorrect, or conflicting internet protocol (IP) addresses. A determination may be made that multiple network devices are associated with an IP address. The network device that is supposed to be associated with the IP address may be determined. The association between the IP address and the other network devices may be discontinued.