IPv4 auto-configuration of multi-router Zeroconf networks with unique subnets

Abstract

While administration may be necessary in today's large complex IP networks, it is unacceptable for emerging networks such as home networks, small office home office (SOHO) networks, ad-hoc networks, and many others. These networks require zero manual administration and configuration. Zero-configuration (Zeroconf) networks are a particular class of IP networks that do not require any user administration for correct operation. The first step in auto-configuration of zeroconf networks is IP address auto-configuration. While there are proposals for IPv4 host auto-configuration, a general solution for IPv4 autoconfiguration of multi-router zeroconf networks does not exist. This paper reviews IPv4 host and single-router auto-configuration algorithms and extends them to more complex multi-router zeroconf network topologies. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to propose a solution to IPv4 auto-configuration of multi-router zeroconf networks.