Intermediary Device for Local Network Access via Public Cloud
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in accessing local devices connected to a local network from a public network, as existing methods require direct connection, expose devices to security threats, or involve complex configurations like VPNs, leading to battery drain and decreased user experience.
Innovation Solution
An intermediary device connects to both the local and public networks, transmitting profile information to user equipment, enabling a virtual representation of local devices, allowing access and control even when not directly connected, through secure connections and caching mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user connects to a local network via WiFi to access local devices, then access to local devices is enabled, but battery standby time decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud service as an intermediary between the user equipment and local devices. Instead of directly connecting to the local network via WiFi, the user equipment communicates with the cloud service, which in turn communicates with the local devices. This mediator approach allows users to access local devices without maintaining a continuous local network connection, thereby preserving battery standby time while enabling device access.
2Ease of operation
If cloud service is used to access local devices, then remote access is enabled, but multiple connections must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple local device connections into a single unified cloud service connection. Instead of requiring separate connections to each local device, the cloud service consolidates access to all local devices through one connection point. This reduces the complexity of managing multiple connections while maintaining the ability to access various local devices remotely.
3Ease of operation
If VPN is configured to access local devices, then network access is enabled, but configuration difficulty and battery drain increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service approach where the cloud service automatically manages the connection and communication between user equipment and local devices. The system handles device discovery, connection establishment, and data routing without requiring users to manually configure VPN settings or network parameters. This automation eliminates configuration complexity while maintaining network access capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If all local devices are given public IP addresses, then Internet accessibility is enabled, but security exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cloud service acts as an intermediary that enables Internet accessibility for local devices without requiring them to have public IP addresses. The local devices remain on the private local network, while the cloud service provides a secure bridge to the public Internet. This approach maintains versatility of access while protecting local devices from direct Internet exposure and associated security risks.
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method for communicating between at least one local device connected to a local network and a user equipment connected to a public network, via an intermediary device that is configured to connect to the local network and to the public network. The method comprises the steps in the intermediary device of connecting to the local network and storing a device identifier of the at least one local device in the local network. The method further comprises connecting to the public network and transmitting profile information for the user equipment enabling the user equipment to present a virtual representation of the local device in the local network. The profile information comprises the device identifier.