Parallel Device Configuration Request Messages for Network Address Assignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Network devices face inefficiencies in obtaining device configuration information, such as network addresses, due to the need to send multiple device configuration request messages sequentially in a trial-and-error manner, which is time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The network device is configured to send multiple device configuration request messages of different types in parallel, awaiting responses to complete a message exchange operation for obtaining device configuration information, and if no responses are received within a certain time, it sends additional request messages for backup types of network address assignment operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network devices send multiple device configuration request messages sequentially in a trial-and-error manner, then the device can obtain device configuration information, but the time required for self-provisioning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network device prepares and transmits multiple device configuration request messages of different types in advance, before knowing which server or deployment type will respond. This preliminary preparation of multiple message types allows the device to simultaneously attempt different configuration acquisition paths, eliminating sequential trial-and-error and significantly reducing self-provisioning time while maintaining reliable configuration information acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional sequential message transmission approach to a multi-dimensional parallel approach by sending multiple types of device configuration request messages simultaneously. This dimensional expansion from one message type to multiple message types in parallel allows the device to explore different configuration paths concurrently, reducing time loss while ensuring reliable acquisition of device configuration information.
2Adaptability or versatility
If network devices send multiple device configuration request messages of different types, then the device can adapt to various deployment types, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network device implements a universal message transmission mechanism that can handle multiple types of device configuration request messages through a unified processing framework. This multi-functional approach allows the device to send different types of request messages (e.g., DHCPv4 Discover, DHCPv6 Solicit, SLAAC Router Solicitation) using the same basic transmission logic, thereby achieving adaptability to various deployment types without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the device configuration acquisition process into distinct message types and transmission paths, allowing each message type to be handled independently while maintaining overall system manageability. By dividing the complex task of adapting to multiple deployment types into separate, modular message transmission units, the system achieves versatility without overwhelming complexity in the message transmission layer.
Data Source
AI summary
A network device may transmit device configuration request messages of different types for network address assignment operations that are pending in parallel. The network device may complete a corresponding message exchange operation to obtain device configuration information based on a response to one of the request messages. If desired, if no responses are received for the initial set of device configuration request messages within an allocated time, the network device may subsequently send additional device configuration request messages for other network address assignment operations that are also pending in parallel.