Global Grid Protocol NAT Traversal via Dynamic Mesh Identifiers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Establishing peer-to-peer networking connections is challenging when nodes are behind network address translators (NATs) or firewalls, as unsolicited communications are often blocked, and the depletion of IPv4 addresses complicates direct device communication.
Innovation Solution
The Global Grid Protocol dynamically generates globally unique mesh identifiers to establish connections, bypassing the need for IP addresses and traversing NATs and firewalls through asynchronous processes like UPnP and port hole punching, ensuring interoperability between IPv4 and IPv6 networks and non-IP devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nodes use traditional IP addressing and direct connection requests, then connection establishment is straightforward in open networks, but connections are blocked when nodes are behind NAT devices or firewalls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a connection broker as an intermediary component that facilitates peer-to-peer connections between nodes behind NAT devices. The broker receives connection requests, coordinates the establishment process, and enables direct connections without requiring nodes to have public IP addresses. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining connection reliability while adapting to restricted network environments through the broker's mediation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection establishment process is segmented into distinct phases: discovery phase where nodes locate each other through the broker, negotiation phase where connection parameters are agreed upon, and execution phase where direct connections are established. This segmentation allows the system to handle different network conditions (open networks, NAT environments, firewall restrictions) at different stages, improving both reliability and adaptability.
2Productivity
If IPv4 address space is used, then existing infrastructure is compatible, but address depletion limits further network growth and device connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the addressing function from the traditional IP address system and implements a separate, independent addressing mechanism using unique node identifiers. This allows the system to scale beyond IPv4 address limitations while maintaining compatibility with existing IPv4 infrastructure through the broker's translation and routing capabilities. The extracted addressing system provides virtually unlimited addressable nodes.
3Ease of operation
If centralized server architecture is used, then connection management is simplified, but all information must pass through the server reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The connection broker performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing routing information, node capability profiles, and connection pathways before actual data transmission begins. This preliminary setup simplifies subsequent connection management while enabling direct peer-to-peer data flows that bypass the broker during active communication, thus maintaining both operational simplicity and transmission efficiency.
4Reliability
If static IP addresses are assigned, then network configuration is simple, but security is reduced and address depletion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic addressing where node identifiers are assigned and managed dynamically by the connection broker rather than being static. Node addresses can be allocated, revoked, and reassigned based on network conditions, security requirements, and resource availability. This dynamic approach enhances security through flexible access control while managing addressing complexity centrally through the broker.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of establishing and simplifying peer-to-peer networking connections among a plurality of computers and devices, whereby network connections may be established whether firewalls, network address translators, or any combination thereof, are present or not. The method includes: each peer dynamically generating globally unique identifiers and sending, receiving and adding to lists of known mesh configurations sent to and received from other peers or loaded from a storage device; and asynchronously attempting a specified sequence of methods to establish connectivity to the closest peer, including a sequence of methods of traversing any network address translators or firewalls that may be present.