Switch Rewriting IP Addresses by Port for Automatic Assignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing IP address distribution methods do not consider the physical configuration of a network, leading to inefficiencies in managing and assigning IP addresses during device replacements, which can result in operational errors and increased complexity.

Innovation Solution

An IP address distribution system that includes a switch apparatus which rewrites parts or all of the distribution IP address in association with the relay port, ensuring IP addresses are allocated based on the installation position of devices within the network, thereby automating the assignment process and preventing errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If IP address assignment is performed manually according to device arrangement, then IP addresses can be correctly assigned to devices at specific positions, but operation errors may occur and the process is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIP address assignment accuracyVSAvoidOperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic IP address assignment where the network infrastructure itself performs the assignment task. The broadcast message carrying the IP address is automatically distributed to devices based on their physical port connections, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention and reducing operation errors while maintaining assignment accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a broadcast message as an intermediary carrier that conveys IP address information from the distribution point to the target devices. This intermediary mechanism automates the IP address delivery process by using network broadcast capabilities to automatically route addresses to the correct devices based on their physical connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If IP address assignment is performed manually during apparatus replacement, then the same IP address can be assigned to the replacement device, but the process requires operator intervention and increases replacement time

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIP address consistencyVSAvoidDevice replacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary configuration by pre-associating IP addresses with specific network ports during system setup. When a device is connected to a port, the corresponding IP address is automatically assigned based on this pre-established relationship, enabling rapid device replacement without manual reconfiguration while maintaining IP address consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The automatic broadcast mechanism enables the network system to self-configure replacement devices by automatically delivering the appropriate IP address to the new device based on its physical connection, eliminating the need for operator intervention during device replacement and reducing replacement time while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If IP addresses are assigned without considering physical network configuration, then the assignment process is simple, but network management becomes complex and devices cannot be easily located

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIP address assignment simplicityVSAvoidNetwork management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by binding specific IP addresses to specific physical network ports. This creates a localized correspondence between physical network topology and logical IP addressing, where each port has its designated IP address range. This approach maintains assignment simplicity while improving network management by enabling devices to be located and identified based on their physical port positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3018864B1IP address distribution system, switch apparatus and IP address distribution method
Publication Date: 2019.08.28 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP3018864B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3018864B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3018864B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention provides an IP address distribution system including a network that is formed by a switch (2) and an IP address distribution apparatus (1) that is connected to the network. When receiving a signal including a distribution IP address, which is an IP address to be distributed to an apparatus (3) that requests the IP address by the IP address distribution apparatus (1), the switch (2) rewrites one part or entire of the distribution IP address included in the received signal to a value corresponding to a port that relays the signal.