Reverse Address Resolution for Mobile Distributed Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mobile distributed systems, obtaining the IP address of a peer device is inefficient due to high signaling overheads and reliance on unstable servers, especially when devices move and their IP addresses change, leading to communication disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A reverse address resolution method that broadcasts a MAC address in the network, allowing the target device to respond with its IP address at the data link layer, eliminating the need for multiple application layer interactions and server reliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electronic device frequently obtains the latest IP address from the server through application layer interactions, then the IP address can be kept updated, but extremely high signaling overheads are caused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the IP address resolution process from the application layer and implements it directly at the data link layer using broadcast requests. This removes the need for multiple application layer interactions with the server, significantly reducing signaling overhead while maintaining IP address update timeliness through direct peer-to-peer communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a data link layer broadcast mechanism as an intermediary between devices. Instead of relying on application layer server mediation, devices can directly obtain IP addresses through data link layer broadcasts, reducing the signaling burden on both the application layer and server infrastructure.
2Reliability
If the electronic device frequently obtains the latest IP address from the server, then the IP address can be kept updated, but the server stability becomes a critical dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables devices to self-resolve IP addresses through data link layer broadcasts without relying on external server infrastructure. Each device can independently obtain IP addresses of peer devices through direct broadcast requests, eliminating server as a single point of failure and reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of devices querying servers for IP addresses (top-down approach), the patent inverts the approach by having devices broadcast requests that are directly responded to by target devices. This bottom-up approach eliminates server dependency and distributes the resolution functionality across all network participants.
3Loss of information
If multiple application layer interactions are used to obtain IP address, then the IP address can be obtained, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the IP address resolution process from the application layer and implements it independently at the data link layer. This separation allows address resolution to occur in parallel with application layer operations, significantly reducing the time required to obtain IP addresses without affecting application functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs IP address resolution at the data link layer before application layer interactions are needed. By pre-obtaining IP addresses through broadcast requests, the system eliminates waiting time during application layer communication setup, making the overall process more efficient.
Data Source
AI summary
In a reverse address resolution method, a sender electronic device broadcasts a first request packet. An Ethernet payload of the first request packet includes a media access control (MAC) address of a target electronic device. After receiving the first request packet, the target electronic device determines that an IP address of the target electronic device is requested, and returns a first reply packet. An Ethernet payload of the first reply packet includes the internet protocol (IP) address of the target electronic device. According to the technical solutions provided in this application, the sender electronic device obtains the IP address of the target electronic device based on the MAC address of the target electronic device through interaction at a data link layer. Therefore, in a mobile distributed system, the IP address of the target electronic device is quickly obtained without relying on a server.