Hybrid P2P Network Access Server for Secure Direct Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current peer-to-peer networks face security risks due to distributed endpoint information and can become bottlenecks in communication, while traditional client/server networks struggle to support large numbers of clients efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid peer-to-peer communication system with an access server that uses standardized protocols for communication, enabling endpoints to connect directly while maintaining security through encryption and NAT traversal, eliminating the need for external softswitches and improving scalability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional peer-to-peer network is used, then direct communication between endpoints is enabled, but security risk increases due to distributed storage of endpoint information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an access server as an intermediary component that mediates between endpoints. The access server stores endpoint information centrally rather than distributing it across all endpoints, thereby maintaining security while still enabling direct peer-to-peer communication. The intermediary validates and manages endpoint credentials without blocking direct communication paths.
2Reliability
If a client/server network is used, then security is improved by localizing credential storage, but the server becomes a bottleneck and cannot adequately support large numbers of clients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication function into two parts: signaling/credential verification through the access server, and actual data communication directly between endpoints. This segmentation allows the server to handle only authentication and routing information, while the bulk data transfer occurs directly between clients, eliminating the server as a throughput bottleneck.
Solution Approach 2:
The access server acts as a lightweight intermediary that provides security functions (authentication, authorization, endpoint information storage) without participating in the actual data communication path. This mediator approach maintains security benefits of centralized credential storage while avoiding the performance penalties of server-mediated data transfer.
3Reliability
If all communications pass through the server, then security is maintained, but the server rapidly becomes a bottleneck in the system
Solution Approach 1:
The communication process is segmented into signaling phase (through server) and data transfer phase (direct between endpoints). The server handles only setup, authentication, and control signaling, while actual data communication occurs directly between endpoints, eliminating server-induced delays in the data transfer path.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved system and method are disclosed for peer-to-peer communications. In one example, the method enables an endpoint to transfer data directly to another endpoint.