Patent ID: 6240464
Filing Date: 2001-05-29
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
In a data-over-cable system including a plurality of network devices, a method of managing network host interface addresses, the method comprising the following steps:receiving on a first network a first message for a network device with a first network connection address from a selected network host interface available on the first network, wherein the first message includes a lease time for the first network connection address;storing the first network connection address and the lease time in one or more routing tables in the first network; andperiodically checking the routing tables on the first network to determine if the lease time for the first network connection address has expired, and if so,sending a second message to the network device indicating that the lease time for the first network connection address has expired, anddetermining whether the network device desires to continue to use the first network connection address, and if not,removing the first network connection address and lease time from the one or more routing tables on the first network.