Automatic internet protocol (IP) address allocation and assignment
AssigneeHewlett-Packard Company
InventorPeter E. Mellquist
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A network device connected to a local network is configured using a module operating within a console connected to the local network. Once activated, the module obtains an unused network address. After obtaining the unused network address, the console waits for receipt of a request from the network device. Upon receipt of the request, the console forwards to the network device a response. The response includes the unused address along with subnet and gateway information for the console. The console then establishes a network connection to the network device and displays on a monitor for the console, an address value, a subnet mask value and a gateway value for the network device.
Claims18
A computer implemented method used in configuration of a network device connected to a local network comprising the following steps performed by a module operating within a console connected to the local network:
- (a) in response to activation of the module, obtaining an unused network address;
- (b) upon receipt by the console of a request from the network device, forwarding to the network device a response which includes the unused address obtained in step (a) along with subnet and gateway information for the console;
- (c) establishing a network connection to the network device;
- and,
- (d) displaying on a monitor for the console, an address value, a subnet mask value and a gateway value for the network device.
A method for configuring a network device connected to a local network comprising the following steps:
- (a) from a console located within the local network, interrogating active network devices to determine an unused network address;
- (b) upon the console receiving a request from the network device, forwarding, by the console to the network device, a response which includes the unused address determined in step (a) along with subnet and gateway information for the console;
- and,
- (c) configuring of the network device using the unused address and the subnet and gateway information within the response forwarded in step (b).
Storage media which stores a software module, the software module, when run on a console connected to a local network, performing a method used in configuration of a network device connected to the local network, the method comprising the following steps:
- (a) in response to activation of the software module, obtaining an unused network address;
- (b) upon receipt by the console of a request from the local network, forwarding to the local network, a response which includes the unused address found in step (a) along with subnet and gateway information for the console;
- (c) establishing a network connection between the console and the network device;
- and,
- (d) displaying on a monitor for the console, an address value, a subnet mask value and a gateway value for the network device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.