Patent ID: 7051089
Filing Date: 2006-05-23
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method of providing sets of network addresses for dynamically configuring hosts on a network, the method comprising the computer-implemented steps of: assigning one or more subnets of a given size to a pool of available subnets; sending a first request from a first host for a first count of network addresses for a first set of network addresses for dynamically configuring hosts on the network; determining if there are available network addresses in a pool of available addresses and if not then selecting a first subnet from the pool of available subnets and adding said selected first subnet's network addresses to said pool of available addresses; receiving a first message indicating the first set of network addresses; receiving a second message from a second host requesting a second count of network addresses for a second set of network addresses for dynamically configuring hosts on the network; determining the second set of network addresses based at least in part on the first set of network addresses and the second count; sending a first response indicating the second set of network addresses; determining usage of the first set of network addresses wherein the usage comprises a proportion of a number of network addresses used compared to a total number of addresses in the first set; wherein: the first message further indicates a first time interval for use of the first set; and the method further comprises sending, before the first time interval expires, a second request for renewal of use of the first set; and the second request includes data indicating the usage of the first set.