Address allocation in a network

摘要

A method of address allocation in a network comprises determining, from negotiations between nodes, whether a first node shall assume a server role responsible for distribution and management of network addresses to clients. If this determination is made, the first node is provided with a pool of network addresses. The invention provides a method of dynamic re-allocation of address pools between servers of the network, in accordance with, for example, network requirements or traffic load.

主权项

1. A method of dynamic address allocation in a network, the method comprising:
sending an association request from a first node device to the network; receiving, at the first node device, a response from a node device of the network; determining, at the first node device, whether the received response is from a client node device of the network or a server node device of the network; the first node device associating to the network as a client device or as a server device in accordance with the response received; determining, from negotiations between node devices, whether the first node device, which is not currently assigned a server role responsible for distribution and management of network addresses to client devices, shall assume the server role; and if the first node device shall assume the server role, providing the first node device with a pool of network addresses.