Discovery Broker for Cross-Subnet Device Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing networking technologies, such as DNS and mDNS, are ineffective in discovering and connecting devices in managed networks, large networks, or those with network segmentation, leading to difficulties in navigating and establishing connections between devices on different subnets or VLANs.
Innovation Solution
A discovery broker device facilitates the connection between sender and receiver devices by registering the receiver device, exchanging discovery information, and authenticating the sender device, allowing communication even across different subnets or VLANs through a machine-readable image or digital wallet data, and configuring the DNS network for connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional networking technologies (DNS, mDNS) are used for service discovery, then devices on the same network and subnet can discover and connect with each other effectively, but devices on different subnets, VLANs, or physical networks cannot establish connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a discovery broker as an intermediary device that mediates between sender and receiver devices on different networks. The broker receives connection requests, resolves network addressing issues, and facilitates communication across subnet, VLAN, or physical network boundaries, enabling connections that traditional direct discovery methods cannot establish.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to service discovery by implementing a hierarchical architecture with discovery brokers at multiple network levels. This multi-layered approach allows devices to discover services not only within their local subnet but also across broader network scopes by querying brokers at appropriate hierarchical levels.
2Adaptability or versatility
If service discovery is enabled in large networks with numerous devices, then more services become accessible, but the list of discoverable devices becomes too long and difficult to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large network into multiple discovery scopes or domains managed by different discovery brokers. Instead of presenting a single overwhelming list of all devices, the system divides device discovery into manageable segments, allowing users to navigate and select devices within specific contextual groups rather than browsing the entire network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements location-aware or context-aware service discovery where discovery brokers provide customized device lists based on the sender device's location, user profile, or current context. This ensures users see only relevant devices in their vicinity or operational context, making device selection easier even in large networks with many available services.
3Reliability
If manual configuration is required for device connection, then connection security and accuracy can be maintained, but configuration time and user effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary device registration and information exchange with discovery brokers before actual connection is needed. Devices pre-register their capabilities and contact information with brokers, so when connection is required, the matching and initial configuration steps are already completed, significantly reducing user effort and configuration time while maintaining security through broker-mediated authentication.
Data Source
AI summary
A discovery broker may facilitate discovering and connecting devices, such as a sender device and receiver device, in a dense environment and/or a network with segmentation. The sender and receiver devices may be connected via the discovery broker based on a machine-readable image including connectivity information, digital wallet data including the connectivity information, or a domain name system.