US Patent 8681695 Single address prefix allocation within computer networks

In general, techniques are described for single prefix address allocation within computer networks. Typically, a network device that allocates addresses within a computer network implements the techniques. The network device comprises an interface and a control unit. The interface receives first and second messages from a subscriber network. The first message requests at least one address be allocated to the subscriber network according to a first address allocation mechanism. The second message requests at least one address be allocated to the subscriber network in accordance with a second address allocation mechanism. The control unit automatically determines a topology of the subscriber network based on the second message. Based on the determined topology, the control unit selectively allocates either a single network address prefix or one or more addresses of the network address prefix in response to the second message without allocating an address in response to the first message.