U.S. patent application number 11/200292 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-22 for network system having multiple subnets for a mobile platform.
Invention is credited to D'Annunzio, Michael A..
Application Number | 20050281223 11/200292 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26871034 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050281223 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
D'Annunzio, Michael A. |
December 22, 2005 |
Network system having multiple subnets for a mobile platform
Abstract
A method for assigning Internet Protocol addresses in a
communications system for an aircraft according to the invention
includes the steps of creating an air-to-ground network (AGN), a
passenger services network (PSN), and a command and control network
(CCN). A first range of addresses is assigned to a first group of
devices that are associated with the AGN. A second range of
addresses is assigned to a second group of devices that are
associated with the PSN. A third range of addresses is assigned to
a third group of devices that are associated with the CCN. IP
aliasing is employed to allow at least one device from the first,
second and third groups to be multi-homed.
Inventors: |
D'Annunzio, Michael A.;
(Seattle, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE, P.L.C.
P.O. BOX 828
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
MI
48303
US
|
Family ID: |
26871034 |
Appl. No.: |
11/200292 |
Filed: |
August 9, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11200292 |
Aug 9, 2005 |
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10175261 |
Jun 18, 2002 |
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60335532 |
Oct 23, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
370/328 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 84/005 20130101;
H04B 7/18506 20130101; H04L 61/2061 20130101; H04L 29/12283
20130101; H04L 2012/4028 20130101; H04L 67/12 20130101; H04L
61/2007 20130101; H04L 69/325 20130101; H04L 29/12801 20130101;
H04W 80/04 20130101; H04L 29/12216 20130101; H04L 61/6004
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
370/328 |
International
Class: |
H04Q 007/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method for assigning Internet Protocol addresses in a
communications system for a mobile platform, comprising: creating a
first communications network; assigning a first range of addresses
to devices that are associated with said first communications
network; defining a network number and a host number in said first
range of addresses; and dividing said host number into: a mobile
platform identification number for subnetting and; a device
number.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein said first range of addresses
comprises Class A IP addresses.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein said mobile platform
identification number includes 14-bits and said device number
includes 10-bits.
4. The method of claim 1 further comprising a command and control
network on said mobile platform.
5. The method of claim 4 further comprising assigning a second
range of addresses to devices that are associated with said command
and control network.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein said second range of addresses
includes a network number and a host number.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein said host number includes a first
group of bits that identify one of a seat electronic box device, a
server element and a network element.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein said host number includes a second
group of bits that identify an area distribution box.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein said host number includes a third
group of bits that identify a column.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein said host number includes a
fourth group of bits that identify a seat electronic box.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein said host number includes a
fifth group of bits that identify a type of server that is to be
addressed and a sixth group of bits that identify a server
device.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein said host number includes a
seventh group of bits that identify a type of network that is to be
addressed and an eighth group of bits that identify a network
device.
13. The method of claim 1 further comprising a passenger services
network on said mobile platform.
14. A method for assigning Internet Protocol addresses in a
communications system for a mobile platform, comprising: creating a
first network for linking the mobile platform to a remotely-located
communications system, a passenger services network (PSN), and a
command and control network (CCN); assigning a first range of
addresses to a first group of devices that are associated with said
first network; assigning a second range of addresses to a second
group of devices that are associated with said PSN; and assigning a
third range of addresses to a third group of devices that are
associated with said CCN.
15. The method of claim 14 further comprising employing IP aliasing
to allow at least one device from said first, second and third
groups to be multi-homed.
16. The method of claim 15 further comprising: defining a network
number and a host number in said first range of addresses; and
dividing said host number into: a mobile platform identification
number for subnetting; and a device number.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein said first range of addresses
comprises Class A IP addresses, said mobile platform identification
number includes 14-bits, and said device number comprises a 10-bit
number.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein said second range of addresses
comprises Class B IP addresses and wherein said second range of
addresses includes a network number and a host number.
19. A method for assigning Internet Protocol addresses in a
communications system for a mobile platform, comprising: creating a
first network for linking the mobile platform in communication with
a remote communication system; creating a passenger services
network (PSN); assigning a first range of addresses to a first
group of devices that are associated with said first network; and
assigning a second range of addresses to a second group of devices
that are associated with said PSN.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/175,261 filed on Jun. 18, 2002 and claims
priority from U.S. Ser. No. 60/335,532 filed Oct. 23, 2001. The
disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to networks for mobile
platforms, and more particularly to an Internet Protocol (IP)
addressing scheme for mobile platforms.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Broadband communications access, on which our society and
economy is growing increasingly dependent, is not readily available
to users on board mobile platforms such as aircraft, ships, and
trains. While the technology exists to deliver the broadband
communications services to mobile platforms, conventional solutions
are currently commercially unfeasible due to the high costs for
service or due to low data rates. The conventional solutions have
typically only been available to government/military users and/or
to high-end maritime markets such as cruise ships. To attract
business users, the broadband communication services must provide
acceptable data rates at a reasonable price. The broadband
communications services must also be designed within guidelines
that are required for networks or nodes that are connected to the
Internet.
[0004] Internet web sites are identified by a public address.
Routers and switches use the public address to route IP packets.
Public addresses are considered a scarce resource. Requests for
public address space from American Registry for Internet Numbers
(ARIN) are scrutinized for efficient usage. For example, aircraft
Internet systems will require a significant number of IP addresses
for routers, servers, users, and other hosts.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A method for assigning Internet Protocol addresses in a
communications system for an aircraft according to the invention
includes the steps of creating an air-to-ground network (AGN), a
passenger services network (PSN), and a command and control network
(CCN). A first range of addresses is assigned to a first group of
devices that are associated with the AGN. A second range of
addresses is assigned to a second group of devices that are
associated with the PSN. A third range of addresses is assigned to
a third group of devices that are associated with the CCN. IP
aliasing is employed to allow at least one device from the first,
second and third groups to be multi-homed.
[0006] In other features of the invention, the first range of
addresses define a network number and a host number. The host
number is divided into an aircraft number for subnetting and a
device number.
[0007] In still other features, a second range of addresses
includes a network number and a host number. The host number
includes a first group of bits that identify one of a seat
electronic box device, a server element and a network element. A
second group of bits identifies an area distribution box. A third
group of bits identifies a column. The host number includes a
fourth group of bits that identify a seat electronic box. In a
first alternate, the host number includes a fifth group of bits
that identify a type of server that is to be addressed and a sixth
group of bits that identify a server device. In a second alternate,
the host number includes a seventh group of bits that identify a
type of network that is to be addressed and an eighth group of bits
that identify a network device.
[0008] In still other features of the invention, the third range of
addresses includes two addresses that are super-netted together.
The third range of addresses include a network number and a host
number. The host number includes bits that identify an area
distribution box, a column, a seatbox, a user, and a port.
[0009] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will
become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter.
It should be understood that the detailed description and specific
examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the
invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are
not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description and the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a
broadband communications system including mobile platforms,
satellites, ground stations and the Internet;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a mobile
platform communications system in more detail;
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates the connectivity between a passenger
services network, an air-to-ground network and a command and
control network;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a table that defines a relationship between
devices and device numbers in the air-to-ground network;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a table that defines a relationship between the
onboard servers and type number; and
[0016] FIG. 6 is a table that defines a relationship between
onboard network elements and type numbers.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is
merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the
invention, its application, or uses.
[0018] Referring now to FIG. 1, a mobile platform communications
system 10 for mobile platforms 12-1, 12-2, . . . , and 12-n is
shown. The mobile platforms 12 communicate via one or more
satellites 16-1, 16-2, . . . , and 16-n and with one or more
ground-based receiving stations 18-1, 18-2, . . . , and 18-n. The
ground-based receiving stations 18 are connected to a distributed
communications system 22 via a router 24-1, 24-2, . . . , and 24-n.
A public address manager (PAM) server 28 is connected to the
distributed communications system 22, the router 24 or to the
ground-based receiving stations 18. If used, the PAM server 28
manages the leasing of public addresses that are stored in a public
address pool 29 to the mobile platforms 12.
[0019] One or more web servers 30-1, 30-2, . . . , and 30-n are
connected to the distributed communications system 22. Likewise,
one or more virtual private networks (VPNs) 32-1, 32-2, . . . , and
32-n are connected to the distributed communications system 22. The
distributed communications system 22 is preferably the Internet.
Users located on the mobile platform 12 access the web servers 30
and/or the VPN's 32 via the mobile platform communications system
10. As can be appreciated, the mobile platform establishes a
remotely located network via the satellites 16 and the ground
stations 18.
[0020] Referring now to FIG. 2, the mobile platform 12 includes a
transmit antenna 40 that is connected by a switch 41 to a
transmitter 42 and a receive antenna 46 that is connected by the
switch 41 to a receiver 48. The transmit and receive antennas 40
and 46 are controlled by an antenna control system 50. The receiver
48, the transmitter 42, the switch 41, a switch 52 and an airborne
router 54 are collectively referred to as a data transceiver router
(DTR) 55.
[0021] The airborne router 54 is connected to a switch 57 that is
connected to servers 64, 65, 66, and 67. The servers 64-67 provide
web services, media services, an aircraft interface unit (AIU), a
control panel (CP), and other server functions. For example, the
servers provide flight specific websites such as car rental
companies located at the destination, popular web sites such as
CNN.RTM., MSN.RTM., etc. that are stored in cache, targeted
advertising, and other content. One or more additional servers
and/or functions may also be provided. The switch 57 is connected
to one or more area distribution boxes (ADBs) 68-1, 68-2, . . . ,
and 68-n. The ADBs 68 are connected to one or more seat processors
70 that are connected to one or more user communication devices UCD
74-1, 74-2, . . . , and 74-n. A switch 69 and the seat processor 70
are collectively referred to as a seat electronic box (SEB) 72. The
UCD 74 is a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant PDA, or
any other electronic device that communicates via the Internet. The
UCDs 74 preferably include a microprocessor, memory (such as random
access memory, read-only memory, and/or flash memory), and
input/output devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, and/or a voice
operated interface. In a preferred embodiment, the mobile platform
communications system 10 establishes point-to-point over Ethernet
(PPPoE) sessions between the UCDs 74 and the airborne router
54.
[0022] Referring now to FIG. 3, the communication system 10
according to the present invention includes three or more logical
subnets: a passenger services network (PSN) 100, an air-to-ground
network (AGN) 102 and a command and control network (CCN) 104. For
example, the servers 64 and 66 that provide web or media services
are preferably multi-homed in that they have multiple physical
interfaces. The UCDs 74 are connected to the PSN 100. IP aliasing
allows multiple IP addresses to be configured on the same physical
interface. The IP addresses can be from the same or different
subnets. Multiple logical subnets can be created on the same
physical network. Since only a router can forward traffic between
subnets, logical subnets simplify router and host-based packet
filtering to control inter-subnet access. Logical subnets allow
access to actual application ports to be restricted to specific
subnets. Logical subnets allow maximum use of private address
ranges and reuse of address ranges between module platforms.
Logical subnets minimize the number of subnets that must be
advertised to the ground.
[0023] More particularly, the AGN 102 is defined as the network
that provides connectivity between the onboard IP management
interfaces on each network element (such as routers, switches,
servers, and seat boxes) and the ground. Data that is expected to
use the AGN 102 includes simple network management protocol (SNMP)
traffic, content pushed from the ground to the aircraft, billing
information, maintenance data of the network elements, port address
translation of passenger addresses for off-board aircraft
connectivity and other similar data traffic.
[0024] A first part (or network number) of an IP address typically
identifies a network on which a host resides. A second part (or
host number) identifies the particular host on the network. To
support different sized networks, the IP address space is split
into three address classes. A Class A IP address typically includes
an 8-bit network number and a 24-bit host number. Class A IP
addresses are currently assigned a dotted decimal address in the
range between 1.xxx.xxx.xxx and 126.xxx.xxx.xxx. A Class B IP
address includes a 16-bit network number and a 16-bit host number.
Class B IP addresses are currently assigned a dotted decimal
address in the range between 128.0.xxx.xxx and 191.255.xxx.xxx. A
Class C IP address includes a 24-bit network number and an 8-bit
host number. Class C IP addresses are currently assigned a dotted
decimal address in the range between 192.0.0.xxx and
223.255.255.xxx.
Air-to-Ground Network
[0025] The AGN 102 preferably employs a Class A IP address. The
host number is further broken down into a subnet number and a
sub-host number to more effectively use the IP address space. In
the mobile platform addressing scheme according to the invention,
the IP addresses for the AGN 102 include a network number, a subnet
number that is equal to an aircraft identification number and a
sub-host number that is equal to a device number. The aircraft
identification number is a 14-bit number that allows 16,382
aircraft to be uniquely addressed from a remotely located network
or station. This addressing approach provides sufficient address
space for commercial passenger aircraft and can also be used to
extend this service to additional sectors.
[0026] Private addressing is used to reduce the need for public
Internet routable IP addresses that are difficult to obtain. The
14-bit aircraft identifier doubles as the subnet number to allow
routed communications between the plane and the ground. The second
part of the IP address is the device or host number. The device or
host number provides 10-bits of device address space. The range of
device numbers preferably starts with device number 1 (the device
number 0 is not used) and ends with the device number 1022. These
limitations reduce the possibility of assigning an address that
conflicts with the broadcast address of the subnet. The device or
host numbers are further separated into the ranges listed in the
table shown in FIG. 4.
[0027] Referring now to FIG. 4, a first range, including 1 to 6, is
assigned to devices or hosts that route management traffic between
the air and the ground. The devices or hosts in the first range
preferably include the DTR 55 and other transmit/receive devices
that are located between the air and the ground. A second range,
including 7 and 8, is assigned to Port Address Translation (PAT) of
onboard passenger addresses to the ground. PAT changes a source IP
address and a source port to allow a large number of devices to use
a single IP address. Two addresses are used to ensure that PAT does
not run out of addresses.
[0028] A third range, including 9 to 24, corresponds to a
management interface of the ADBs 68. A fourth range, including 25
to 424, is used for UCDs 74. With this approach, there can be a
maximum of 16 ADBs. Each ADB has 5 columns with 30 SEBs. Up to 2400
UCDs 74 can be supported. This is unlikely to occur if the mobile
platform is an aircraft since the maximum number of passengers that
are expected for the largest aircraft is 800. 400 addresses have
been reserved for UCDs.
[0029] A fifth range of addresses, including 425 to 432,
corresponds to servers such as the media server 64, web server 66
and/or servers for other services. A sixth range, including 433 to
422, is reserved for crew information system devices. The aircraft
interface unit (AIU) 65 is assigned address 443. Control panels
(CP) 67 are assigned a seventh address range including 444 to 450.
Laptop power controllers are assigned device addresses in an eighth
range including 954 to 969.
[0030] To allow for future deployment of expanded services,
addresses in a ninth range, including 970 to 989, are reserved for
servers and delivery service devices. A tenth range, including 990
to 1005, allows communication between legacy equipment and IP
enabled equipment. Business jets have an additional four receivers
that are assigned addresses in an 11.sup.th range including 1006 to
1009. Finally, to allow communication between the DTR 55 and the
antenna control/system 50 in the future, address 1010 is reserved.
The overall address scheme can be summarized as follows:
1 [10.] [AAAAAAAAAAAAAA - NNNNNNNNNN] 8-Bits 14-Bits 10-Bits [10.]
[AAAAAAAA.AAAAAANN.NNNNNNNN] A = Airplane Identifier N = Device
Number Subnet Mask: 255.255.252.0 (/22)
Command and Control Network
[0031] All servers, routers, and SEBs communicate on the command
and control network (CCN) 104. The CCN 104 preferably employs a
class B IP address with a 16-bit network number and a 16-bit host
number. The CCN 104 is assigned the network number 172.16.0.0. This
network has been further partitioned to allow quick identification
of elements (the partitioning is not the same as subnetting). The
first four bits of the host number are used to identify classes of
devices. The first bit is unused and is set equal to 0. The first
bit may be used to provide an additional 32,766 addresses to
support IP addresses of other equipment that participates on the
CCN 104. The next three bits following the first bit of the host
number are used to define the CCN device that is being addressed.
These three bits are referred to as the "L" bits below. For
example, the three bits can be defined as follows: "100" is a SEB
element; "010" is a server element, and "001" is a network
element.
2 [172.16] [x - LLL - Depends on "L" Bits] [172.16]
[0LLL????.????????] x = not used (set to "0") L = Command and
Control Device Type (where, "100" = Seatbox Element; "010" = Server
Element; "001" = Network Element) ? = Depends on the "L" bits
CCN-SEB Addressing
[0032] The address [172.16 ][0100????.????????] is that of the CCN
interface of the SEB 72, which is used for initialization and
onboard control of the SEB 72. As with all CCN devices, the first
bit is unused and is set equal to 0. The next three bits are used
to define the type of CCN device that is being addressed. In the
case of the SEB 72, the bit pattern is set equal to 100. To
uniquely address each SEB 72, the next 4 bits are used to define
the ADB 68 that the SEB 72 is connected to. This will allow up to
16 ADBs 68 to be described. The first ADB 68 starts with the number
0. The next 3 bits are used to define the column of the ADB 68 that
the seatbox is connected to. Three bits are used to allow up to 5
columns per ADB 68 to be addressed. The first column is addressed
as 1. The last bits define the position of the SEB 72 with respect
to the column. Five bits are allocated to allow up to 30 seatboxes
to be defined. The first seatbox is addressed as 1. This is
summarized as follows:
3 [172.16] [x - LLL - DDDD - CCC - BBBBB] 16-Bits 1-Bit 3-Bits
4-Bits 3-Bits 5-bits [172.16] [OLLDDDD.CCCBBBBB] x = not used
(always set to "0") L = Command and Control Device Type (where,
"100" = Seatbox Element; "010" = Server Element, "001" = Network
Element) D = Area Distribution Box C = Column B = Seatbox Subnet
Mask: 255.255.0.0 (/16)
CCN-Server Elements
[0033] The server element address is the CCN address of any device
that provides a service to the PSN 100. This may include web
servers, content servers and any other server that may be defined
in the future. The address is used for initialization, maintenance,
and onboard control of the servers and is not part of the PSN 100.
As with all CCN elements, the first bit is preferably unused and is
set equal to 0. The next three bits are used to define the type of
CCN device that is being addressed. In the case of a server
element, the bit pattern is set to "010". To allow different types
of servers to be defined and identified by IP addresses, the next 7
bits are used to specify the type of server being addressed
starting with a type of 1. FIG. 5 lists on-board server type
numbers. The final 5 bits allow up to 31 servers to be defined for
each type. The server device number starts at 1. This is summarized
as follows:
4 [172.16] [x - LLL - TTTTTTT - NNNNN] 16-Bits 1-Bit 3-Bits 7-Bits
5-Bits [172.16] [OLLLTTTT.TTTNNNNN] x = not used (always set to
"0") L = Command and Control Device Type (where, "100" = Seatbox
Element; "010" = Server Element, "001" = Network Element) T =
Server Type N = Server Number Subnet Mask: 255.255.0.0 (/16)
CCN-Network Elements
[0034] The network element address is the CCN address of the
devices that provides network services, excluding servers or SEBs,
to the PSN 100. This includes routers, transmitters, receivers,
ADBs, AIUs, Business Jet Receivers, ASPACs, HCAs or any other type
of network element. This address is used for initialization and
onboard control of the network elements and is not part of or
accessible to the PSN 100. As with all CCN devices, the first bit
is preferably unused and is set equal to 0. The next three bits are
used to define the type of CCN device that is being addressed. In
the case of a network element, the bit pattern is set to 001. To
allow different types of network elements to be defined and
identified by IP addresses, the next 7 bits are used to specify the
type of network element that is being addressed (starting with a
type of 1). The final octet allows up to 31 network elements to be
defined for each type. The network element device number starts at
1. This is summarized as follows:
5 [172.16] [x - LLL - TTTTTTT - NNNNN] 16-Bits 1-Bit 3-Bits 7-Bits
5-Bits [172.16] [OLLLTTTT.TTTNNNNN] x = not used (always set to
"0") L = Command and Control Device Type (where "100" = Seatbox
Element, "001" = Network Element) T = Network Element Type N =
Network Element Number Subnet Mask: 255.255.0.0 (/16)
Passenger Services Network
[0035] The passenger services network (PSN) 100 is defined as the
IP connectivity between the UCD 74 and the SEB 72. The PSN 100
preferably uses a Class B address with a 16-bit network number and
a 16-bit host number. In a presently preferred embodiment, each
port (Ethernet or USB) must be uniquely addressed. The IP addresses
for the PSN 100 allow each port to be assigned its own address and
a gateway address for the SEB 72. The address includes two Class B
addresses that are super-netted together.
[0036] The first 15 bits make up the prefix. The next 4 bits define
the ADB 68 that the SEB 72 is connected to. Up to 16 ADBs 68 can be
described (the first ADB 68 starts with the number 0). The next 3
bits are used to define the column that the SEB 72 is connected to.
Three bits allow up to 5 columns per ADB 68 to be addressed (the
first column is addressed as 1). In addition, the column is not
assigned the number 7 because there can never be more than 5
columns per ADB. 5 bits define the position of the SEB 72 with
respect to its column. Five bits are allocated to allow up to 30
SEB 72 to be defined (the first SEB must be addressed as 1).
[0037] The address uniquely identifies the SEB 72 and can be used
to summarize all routes reachable by this SEB 72. This
significantly reduces the routing table of the airborne router 54.
The next bit is used to identify whether the address belongs to a
SEB 72 or to a UCD 74. The last four bits are used to specify the
port that the address corresponds to. This number can range from 1
to 15 for SEBs 72 and from 18 to 30 for UCD 74 addresses. This is
summarized as follows:
6 [172.18] [DDDD - CCC - BBBBB - U - PPPP] [172.19] 15-Bits 4-Bits
3-Bits 5-Bits 1-Bit 4-Bits [172.] [0001001D.DDDCCCBB.BBBUPPPP] D =
Area Distribution Box C = Column B = Seatbox U = User (0 indicates
seatbox address, 1 indicates passenger address) P = Port Subnet
Mask: 255.254.0.0 (/15)
Server and Network Device Addresses
[0038] A special range of addresses on the PSN 100 is set aside for
servers and network elements. As stated above, a column is not
assigned the address 7. This allows the use of the address range
172.19.252.1 to 172.19.255.254 to address servers and network
elements. This address range is further subdivided to specify that
the address range 172.19.252.1 to 172.19.253.254 identifies a
server element and the address range 172.19.254.1-172.19.255.254
identifies a network element.
[0039] These ranges are determined by looking at the bit patterns.
The first two octets are set equal to 172.19. Then 6 bits are set
to all 1's. Since a column does not have a bit pattern of all 1's,
this bit pattern sets aside a range for servers and network
devices. The next bit is used to specify whether the device that is
addressed is a server or a network device. The last 9 bits uniquely
identify the server or network device. This is summarized as
follows:
7 [172.19] [111111 - T - NNNNNNNNN] 16-Bits 6-Bit 1-Bit 9-Bits
[172.] [19.111111TN] T = Server or Network element indicator (0
indicates server address, 1 indicates network element address) N =
Device Number Subnet Mask: 255.254.0.0 (/15)
Seat Element Devices
[0040] Seat element devices are defined as any IP addressable
element that might be found in a seat such as IP telephones, video
displays, audio devices, entertainment systems, or any other
similar device. All devices participate on the 172.17.0.0,
255.255.0.0 network. The assignment of addresses is left to the
provider of the IP addressable seat elements.
8 [172.17.] [To be assigned by seat element provider] 16-Bits
16-Bits Subnet Mask: 255.255.0.0 (/16)
[0041] As can be appreciated by the foregoing, the IP addressing
scheme for mobile platforms according to the invention effectively
and efficiently utilizes IP addressing space. Those skilled in the
art can now appreciate from the foregoing description that the
broad teachings of the present invention can be implemented in a
variety of forms. Therefore, while this invention has been
described in connection with particular examples thereof, the true
scope of the invention should not be so limited since other
modifications will become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon
a study of the drawings, specification, and following claims.
* * * * *