Dynamic IP Reassignment for USB Network Adapters
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Solution Overview
Problem
USB devices connected to hosts as network adapters often experience IP address conflicts when attaching to new networks, leading to communication failures due to duplicate addresses.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that detect routing table changes, generate a new IP address that does not conflict with existing addresses, disable and re-enable the network interface to trigger a request for a new address, and assign the new address to prevent conflicts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a USB device uses a fixed IP address on a specified subnet, then the device can maintain a stable network identity, but IP address conflicts occur when the device attaches to a new network that also uses the same address
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static IP address assignment to a dynamic address reassignment mechanism. When the host detects a routing table change indicating a network switch, it automatically generates a new IP address for the USB device that is compatible with the new network subnet, allowing the device to adapt its network identity dynamically while maintaining continuous communication stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the IP address parameter in response to network conditions. The host monitors routing table changes and modifies the IP address assigned to the USB device based on the new network environment, transforming a fixed parameter into a conditional variable that adapts to different network contexts while preventing address conflicts
2Reliability
If the host continuously monitors for address conflicts, then address conflicts can be detected early, but the system complexity increases due to constant network scanning and detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the host proactively detect routing table changes before IP address conflicts actually occur. By monitoring the routing table for network switch events and pre-emptively reassigning IP addresses based on these detected changes, the system prevents conflicts rather than merely detecting them, reducing the need for complex continuous conflict scanning mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the routing table state and using this information to trigger address reassignment. The system establishes a feedback loop where routing table changes provide input signals that automatically initiate the address regeneration process, creating a responsive detection mechanism that leverages existing system state changes rather than requiring separate conflict detection protocols
3Adaptability or versatility
If the network interface is disabled and re-enabled to trigger address reassignment, then a new non-conflicting address is obtained, but the communication interruption occurs during the disable-enable cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by generating the new IP address before disabling the network interface. The host calculates and prepares the new address that is compatible with the new network, then disables the interface, applies the new address, and re-enables the interface. This sequencing minimizes interruption by having the new address ready in advance, reducing the effective downtime during the interface disable-enable cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies skipping by rapidly executing the interface disable-address assignment-re-enable sequence. The address reassignment process is performed quickly during the brief interface disabled state, minimizing the time the interface remains non-functional. The host efficiently completes the address change and re-enables the interface in rapid succession, reducing the perceived communication interruption to the minimum necessary duration
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, and system are disclosed for reassigning a network address. A detection module detects a routing table change for a host. The host is in communication with a least one network. A client is also in communication with the host over a network interface using a first address. A generation module generates a second address for the client. The second address does not compete with other addresses on the at least one network. An interface module disables the network interface to the client. The interface module then enables the network interface between the client and the host. A communication module receives a request for a new address from the client. The communication module assigns the second address to the client.