Internet address structure analysis, and applications thereof

Author Foremski P.; Berger A.; Plonka D.
Title Internet address structure analysis, and applications thereof
Year 2021
Status Published
Abstract An analysis system automates IP address structure discovery by deep analysis of sample IPv6 addresses using a set of computational methods, namely, information-theoretic analysis, machine learning, and statistical modeling. The system receives a sample set of IP addresses, computes entropies, discovers and mines address segments, builds a network model of address segment inter-dependencies, and provides a graphical display with various plots and tools to enable a network analyst to navigate and explore the exposed IPv6 address structure. The structural information is then applied as input to applications that include: (a) identifying homogeneous groups of client addresses, e.g., to assist in mapping clients to content in a CDN; (b) supporting network situational awareness efforts, e.g., in cyber defense; (c) selecting candidate targets for active measurements, e.g., traceroutes campaigns, vulnerability assessments, or reachability surveys; and (d) remotely assessing a network's addressing plan and address assignment policy.
Publisher Akamai Technologies, Inc.
PDF US10944639.pdf