Network Node Discovery via Access Request Trigger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Scheduled network discovery procedures can negatively impact network performance and miss temporarily connected nodes, such as portable computers, due to predetermined time intervals and resource usage.
Innovation Solution
A method where a discovery request is initiated by a standard access request or IP address request, processed by a discovery server, which performs discovery only for the identified node, minimizing bandwidth usage and allowing for unplanned, centralized discovery without additional software on nodes, and includes a time-based mechanism to avoid frequent reconnections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If scheduled discovery is performed at predetermined time intervals, then network performance is maintained, but temporarily connected nodes are missed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having network nodes initiate discovery requests themselves when they connect to the network. Instead of relying on scheduled polling from the management station, nodes actively request discovery services when they become available, ensuring temporary nodes are detected without requiring continuous scheduled monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where nodes provide information about their connection status and configuration to the management station through discovery requests. This feedback loop ensures that temporary connections are detected and reported promptly, improving both reliability and timing accuracy of node detection.
2Loss of information
If scheduled discovery is performed, then network topology is updated, but network bandwidth is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network discovery process into two types: scheduled discovery for stable topology updates and on-demand discovery for temporary nodes. This segmentation allows the system to consume bandwidth only when necessary (when nodes connect/disconnect) rather than continuously, reducing overall network bandwidth usage while maintaining topology accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by performing discovery procedures only for specific nodes that have connected or disconnected, rather than scanning the entire network. This selective discovery approach maintains necessary topology information while significantly reducing network bandwidth consumption compared to full scheduled discovery cycles.
3Reliability
If discovery is performed frequently, then temporary nodes are detected, but unnecessary procedures increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having nodes request discovery services proactively when they connect to the network. This advance notification allows the management station to prepare and execute discovery procedures only when needed, rather than continuously scanning, thereby improving both detection accuracy for temporary nodes and overall discovery efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic discovery mechanisms that adapt to network conditions. Instead of static scheduled polling, the system dynamically responds to node connection events and configuration changes, performing discovery only when the network state changes. This dynamic approach ensures temporary nodes are detected while avoiding unnecessary procedures during stable periods.
Data Source
AI summary
A network node in a computer network is discovered in response to a network node being reconnected to the network. The discovery procedure is initiated by an access request of the network node, such as a log on request or an IP address request.