Method and apparatus for auto-configuring layer three intermediate computer network devices
US6697360B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 2, 1998 |
| Grant date | Feb 24, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 2, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L41/082
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for auto-configuring layer 3 intermediate devices in computer networks by extending the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). The devices generate, transmit and receive DHCP messages having novel options embedded therein. The options permit a layer 3 device to request and receive from a DHCP server a unique, overall IP address that may be assigned to the device. The device may also request and receive one or more IP subnets and corresponding IP addresses for each of its interfaces. The device may further receive the routing protocols to be used on the various subnets. The layer 3 device can thus be auto-configured with IP configuration parameters, including IP subnets, IP addresses and routing protocols without the time-consuming, manual involvement of a network administrator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.