Hybrid Peer-to-Peer Session Sweeping via Centralized Signaling
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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 models struggle to handle large client loads efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid peer-to-peer system with an access server that uses standardized communication protocols and distributed softswitch architecture, enabling direct communication between endpoints and bypassing intermediaries, while managing NAT traversal and session management to enhance security and scalability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional peer-to-peer networks distribute endpoint information throughout the network, then direct communication between endpoints is enabled, but security risk increases due to insecure storage on various endpoints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that centralizes the storage of endpoint credentials and address information. This server acts as a trusted mediator that endpoints can query to obtain routing information, eliminating the need for each endpoint to store sensitive information locally while still enabling direct peer-to-peer communication.
2Reliability
If all communications pass through the server in client/server networks, 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: the server handles only signaling and routing information distribution, while actual media communication occurs directly between endpoints. This segmentation allows the server to remain lightweight and scalable while enabling high-throughput direct peer-to-peer connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as a signaling intermediary that facilitates connection establishment but does not mediate the actual communication flow. Once endpoints establish direct connections, the server is bypassed for data transmission, eliminating it as a bottleneck while maintaining security through centralized credential management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If endpoints store credential and address information locally, then direct communication is enabled, but the network becomes vulnerable to security breaches at any endpoint
Solution Approach 1:
The server serves as a centralized intermediary that securely stores all endpoint credentials and address information. Endpoints query the server for routing information rather than storing it locally, centralizing the security model and eliminating distributed vulnerability points while maintaining peer-to-peer communication capabilities.
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 sweep an ongoing communication session to another endpoint by transferring session information between the endpoints.