Automatic IP Subnet Assignment in Ring Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In ring networks, existing technologies face challenges in efficiently managing and assigning Internet Protocol (IP) addresses among packet switching devices, leading to suboptimal communication and network performance due to the lack of a systematic method for determining which interface to use for IP subnets.
Innovation Solution
The method involves negotiating between adjacent packet switching devices in a ring network to determine the appropriate IP subnet for communication, with each device initially assigned to use one of its two interfaces, and determining which interface will use a specific IP subnet based on priority values, ensuring efficient IP address assignment and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual IP address assignment is used in ring networks, then network administrators have control over address allocation, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling packet switching devices to automatically negotiate and assign IP addresses among themselves without human intervention. Each device autonomously determines its IP address based on negotiated parameters with adjacent devices, eliminating manual configuration time and errors while maintaining systematic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining negotiation protocols and parameters that devices use to automatically determine IP addresses before actual communication begins. This preliminary negotiation framework enables rapid automatic assignment without ad-hoc manual intervention, resolving the time-loss contradiction.
2Productivity
If automatic IP address negotiation is implemented, then configuration time is reduced, but network complexity increases due to additional negotiation protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the IP address assignment process into distinct negotiation phases between adjacent devices. By dividing the complex assignment task into manageable negotiation steps (parameter exchange, determination, assignment), the system achieves high configuration speed while keeping each negotiation segment relatively simple and standardized.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by negotiating specific IP address parameters (subnets, addresses, masks) between devices. This structured parameter-based negotiation approach enables rapid automatic configuration while maintaining controlled complexity through standardized parameter exchange protocols rather than arbitrary complex interactions.
3Reliability
If each device is initially assigned an IP subnet, then address allocation is systematic, but determining which interface uses which subnet becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having adjacent devices exchange information about their assigned subnets and interface configurations during negotiation. Each device receives feedback from neighbors about available subnets and determines the optimal interface-subnet mapping based on this feedback, ensuring accurate systematic assignment while simplifying the mapping process through iterative information exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assigning subnets to devices before network operation begins, then using preliminary negotiation to determine interface mappings. This preliminary structured assignment ensures reliability and accuracy, while the pre-established framework simplifies the subsequent interface-subnet determination process rather than complicating it.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a negotiation is performed between each adjacent pair of a plurality of packet switching devices in a ring network to determine an Internet Protocol (IP) subnet to be used for communicating between said packet switching devices of said adjacent pair. Packets are communicated by said packet switching devices of said adjacent pair using a different IP address of said determined IP subnet. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of packet switching devices is initially assigned an IP subnet to use on one of its two interfaces participating in the ring network; and wherein said negotiation determines which of said two interfaces will use said initially assigned IP subnet.