Single Address Prefix Allocation for Subscriber Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Service provider networks face inefficiencies due to the need to provision two address prefixes for each subscriber, even if only one is utilized, leading to complex administration and increased costs in managing large computer networks.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a single address prefix allocation policy in edge routers, which automatically determines the subscriber network topology based on DHCPv6 messages and allocates either a single address prefix or multiple addresses dynamically, without requiring additional address prefixes, thereby reducing administrative burdens and costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two address prefixes are provisioned for each subscriber to support both stateless address auto-configuration and DHCPv6, then both address allocation mechanisms can be supported, but address prefix efficiency deteriorates and administrative complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for address allocation mechanismsVSAvoidaddress prefix utilization efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic address prefix allocation where the network device determines subscriber network topology and selectively allocates either a single address prefix or multiple address prefixes based on actual network requirements. This dynamic approach replaces the static provisioning of two prefixes for all subscribers, allowing the system to adapt to different network configurations (single-prefix or multi-prefix scenarios) and eliminate waste from over-provisioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the allocation parameter from a fixed value (two prefixes per subscriber) to a variable value (one or two prefixes based on topology). By modifying the address prefix allocation parameter dynamically according to network topology detection, the system optimizes resource utilization while maintaining support for both stateless address auto-configuration and DHCPv6 mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If two address prefixes are provisioned for each subscriber, then both stateless address auto-configuration and DHCPv6 can be supported, but administrative complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for address allocation mechanismsVSAvoidnetwork administration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automated topology determination and selective address prefix allocation through the network device. The system automatically detects whether a subscriber network requires single-prefix or multi-prefix allocation and configures itself accordingly, eliminating the need for manual administrative intervention to provision and manage multiple address prefixes. This self-service approach reduces administrative complexity while maintaining support for both address allocation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Quantity of substance

If a single address prefix is allocated to a subscriber network, then address prefix efficiency improves, but the ability to support complex network topologies deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaddress prefix utilization efficiencyVSAvoidnetwork topology support

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8681695B1Single address prefix allocation within computer networks

Publication Date: 2014.03.25 JUNIPER NETWORKS INC

AI summary

In general, techniques are described for single prefix address allocation within computer networks. Typically, a network device that allocates addresses within a computer network implements the techniques. The network device comprises an interface and a control unit. The interface receives first and second messages from a subscriber network. The first message requests at least one address be allocated to the subscriber network according to a first address allocation mechanism. The second message requests at least one address be allocated to the subscriber network in accordance with a second address allocation mechanism. The control unit automatically determines a topology of the subscriber network based on the second message. Based on the determined topology, the control unit selectively allocates either a single network address prefix or one or more addresses of the network address prefix in response to the second message without allocating an address in response to the first message.