Virtual IP Address Sharing Across Network Adapters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for configuring Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, particularly virtual IP addresses, are cumbersome and error-prone, requiring manual intervention and are not well-suited for the dynamic nature of modern network environments with IPv6 and increasing node connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A host node automatically identifies multiple adapters on the same local network and dynamically configures a virtual IP address using the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), allowing adapters to share an IP address and automatically switch ownership if one adapter fails, thereby reducing manual intervention and errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration of virtual IP addresses is used, then configuration accuracy can be maintained, but the complexity of operation and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-configuration of virtual IP addresses by automatically detecting multiple adapters on the same network and assigning the virtual IP address to one of them without manual intervention. The host node monitors adapter status and automatically switches the virtual IP address between adapters based on their operational state, eliminating the need for manual configuration and reducing operational complexity while maintaining accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If automatic configuration techniques are used, then operational ease is improved, but reliability of virtual IP address configuration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the operational status of multiple adapters and uses this feedback to dynamically switch the virtual IP address between adapters. When an adapter fails or becomes unavailable, the system detects this change and automatically transfers the virtual IP address to another available adapter, ensuring continuous network connectivity and reliable operation without manual intervention.
3Reliability
If multiple adapters share the same virtual IP address, then network robustness is enhanced, but the complexity of address management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple physical adapters into a single logical network interface by assigning them a shared virtual IP address. This allows the adapters to work together as a unified network resource, providing load balancing and failover capabilities while presenting a single address to external networks, thereby enhancing robustness without significantly increasing management complexity.
4Manufacturing precision
If virtual IP addresses are manually reconfigured when adapters change, then address accuracy is maintained, but time consumption and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures multiple adapters with the capability to share a virtual IP address before any adapter failures occur. When an adapter fails or is reconnected, the system has already established the backup adapters and their ability to assume the virtual IP address, allowing for immediate automatic switching without manual reconfiguration, thus maintaining address accuracy while dramatically improving reconfiguration speed and productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A host node connected to a network using an Internet Protocol automatically identifies multiple adapters connected to the same network, preferably by broadcasting a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) request for assignment of an IP address on a first adapter, and listening to the request on a second adapter, thereby determining that both adapters are on the same network. The host preferably causes an IP address to be generated for one of the adapters, and automatically configures the adapters to share the IP address thus generated as a virtual IP address, assigning one of the adapters as a primary adapter. Preferably, the host automatically detects deactivation of the primary adapter and switches the virtual address assignment to a different adapter.