Intermediate Server for Mobile Network Protocol Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication networks for mobile terminals are complex due to the need for multiple computer applications and protocols to manage different information formats between mobile terminals and source servers, leading to increased development time and costs for developers and operators.
Innovation Solution
An intermediate server is introduced between the mobile terminal and source servers to convert information from source formats to a target format, simplifying the communication network by allowing the mobile terminal to transmit requests in a single target format and the intermediate server to manage format conversions, thereby reducing the need for complex applications on both terminals and servers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple computer applications and protocols are integrated in mobile terminals to support different functionalities (IM, MAIL, BLOG), then the number of supported functionalities increases, but the device complexity and development costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediate server is introduced between mobile terminals and source servers to handle format conversion. The terminal sends requests in a first format (e.g., XML) and receives responses in a second format (e.g., HTML), while the intermediate server performs the format conversion, eliminating the need for terminals to support multiple protocols and applications for different functionalities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple computer applications are integrated in mobile terminals to support different functionalities, then the adaptability increases, but the development time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate server centralizes the format conversion logic, allowing terminal developers to focus on a single application design that works across all functionalities. This significantly reduces development time as developers no longer need to create and maintain separate applications for IM, MAIL, BLOG, and other services.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple protocols are used for information exchange between terminals and source servers, then the adaptability increases, but the integration costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate server acts as a protocol translation layer between terminals and source servers. Terminals communicate using a single protocol (e.g., XML over HTTP), and the intermediate server converts these to the appropriate protocols for different source servers (e.g., SMTP for email, custom protocols for IM servers), thereby reducing integration costs while maintaining broad protocol compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication network includes a mobile terminal designed to receive information in a target format, source servers designed to deliver information in source formats, and an intermediate server that is independent of the source servers. Information destined for the mobile terminal goes through the intermediate server. The intermediate server is designed to receive information in the source formats from the source servers, convert to the target format the information received in the source formats, transmit the information in the target format to the mobile terminal, analyze an initial request sent by the mobile terminal, use a memory zone of the intermediate server to identify one of the source servers in response to the initial request, and transmit a request relay to the identified source server to receive information in source formats from the identified source server.