Hybrid P2P Network Access Server with Endpoint Softswitches
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication networks face security risks in peer-to-peer models due to distributed endpoint information and bottlenecks in client/server models, which hinder efficient communication and scalability.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid peer-to-peer system with an access server that uses standardized protocols like SIP and RTP, and endpoints equipped with softswitches for direct communication, enabling secure and scalable communication by localizing storage and processing within endpoints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a peer-to-peer network model is used to enable direct communication between endpoints, then communication efficiency and scalability are improved, but security risks increase due to distributed storage of endpoint information on insecure endpoints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflector as an intermediary component that receives endpoint information from secure sources and makes it available to endpoints without requiring distributed storage of credentials on insecure endpoints. The reflector acts as a trusted mediator that provides routing information while maintaining security centralization.
2Reliability
If a client/server network model is used to centralize storage of credentials and address information on a server, then security is improved, but the server becomes a bottleneck and cannot adequately support the number of clients attempting to communicate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the server's functionality by introducing reflectors that handle specific routing tasks. The central server maintains security and credential storage, while distributed reflectors handle endpoint information dissemination, allowing the system to scale without overloading the central server.
Solution Approach 2:
Reflectors serve as intermediaries between the central server and endpoints, caching and providing endpoint information locally. This reduces the burden on the central server while maintaining secure centralized credential storage, enabling the system to support more clients without creating a bottleneck.
3Reliability
If all communications pass through the server in a client/server model, then security control is improved, but the server rapidly becomes a bottleneck in the system
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector acts as a trusted intermediary that enables direct peer-to-peer communication between endpoints while maintaining security. The reflector provides endpoint information to enable direct routing, eliminating the need for all communications to pass through the central server, thus reducing latency while preserving security control.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved system and method are disclosed for peer-to-peer communications. In one example, the method provides for dynamic stability.