Network Node Interface Control for Dynamic IP Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network terminals in residential networks often fail to establish correct IP configurations, especially when switching internet service providers or experiencing connection timeouts, leading to unsuccessful IP configuration attempts.
Innovation Solution
A network node with a control unit that deactivates and reactivates internal network interfaces to trigger a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) request, ensuring network terminals obtain new IP configurations automatically without user intervention, and can detect needs for reconfiguration due to ISP changes or timeouts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the network terminal maintains a static IP configuration, then the initial network connection is established, but the IP configuration becomes incorrect when switching ISPs or experiencing connection timeouts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic IP configuration by deactivating and reactivating the network interface to trigger DHCP requests, allowing the system to adapt to changing ISP conditions rather than maintaining a static configuration. This dynamic approach ensures the terminal obtains current, correct IP settings whenever needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit monitors network connection status and detects when IP reconfiguration is needed (such as when switching ISPs or experiencing timeouts). Based on this feedback, it automatically triggers interface reactivation to obtain new IP configurations, creating a closed-loop system that maintains correctness adaptively.
2Extent of automation
If the network terminal manually requests IP reconfiguration, then the user can obtain new IP configuration, but user intervention is required which reduces automation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting when IP reconfiguration is needed and triggering the interface reactivation process without user intervention. The control unit monitors network status and autonomously initiates DHCP requests, making the system self-configuring and eliminating the need for manual user actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is pre-configured with the capability to detect network status changes and automatically trigger reconfiguration procedures. This preliminary setup allows the system to respond immediately to ISP changes or connection failures without waiting for user input, achieving full automation.
3Productivity
If the network interface remains continuously active, then network connectivity is maintained, but DHCP requests are not triggered when IP reconfiguration is needed
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of keeping the interface continuously active, the system uses periodic deactivation and reactivation cycles triggered by specific events (ISP changes, timeouts). This periodic action efficiently triggers DHCP requests only when necessary, improving productivity while reducing unnecessary interface active duration compared to continuous operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A network node is arranged to provide an end user of a network terminal in a network with an access link to an external network including at least one external network interface, a control unit, and at least one internal network interface, the network node being arranged to be connected between the network and the external network. The network node is characterized in that the control unit is arranged to deactivate and re-activate the at least one internal network interface towards the network terminal in the network in order to trigger a dynamic host configuration protocol request from the network terminal such that a new Internet Protocol configuration can be established for the network terminal. A method for use in a network node and a computer program product are also disclosed herein.