IP Address Mapping for Accurate Terminal Data Collection

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Solution Overview

Problem

In existing communication systems, the Application Function (AF) cannot obtain the public IP address of a terminal, hindering effective data collection as it can only access the private IP address, which is insufficient for identifying the correct terminal for data collection.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus are provided to enable the conversion between private and public IP addresses, allowing communication devices to obtain the mapping relationship or port numbers associated with IP addresses, thereby facilitating the determination of the correct terminal for data collection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the AF obtains only the private IP address of the terminal, then the system can maintain network security and privacy, but the AF cannot accurately identify the terminal for data collection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterminal identification accuracyVSAvoidpublic IP address information
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mapping relationship (intermediary) between the private IP address and the public IP address. This mapping relationship serves as a mediator that allows the AF to obtain the public IP address information without directly exposing it, thereby resolving the contradiction between terminal identification accuracy and information security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by establishing and maintaining a mapping relationship between private and public IP addresses in advance. This pre-established mapping enables the AF to retrieve the public IP address information when needed, ensuring accurate terminal identification while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the AF cannot obtain the public IP address, then network security is maintained, but data collection cannot be performed on the correct terminal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata collection efficiencyVSAvoidterminal identification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mapping relationship acts as an intermediary that enables the AF to access public IP address information through a secure channel. This intermediary mechanism allows efficient and reliable data collection by providing the necessary public IP address without compromising network security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by providing the AF with the public IP address information through the mapping relationship. This feedback mechanism ensures that the AF receives the accurate terminal identification information needed for successful data collection while maintaining security protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of information

If the system provides only private IP address information, then information security is preserved, but the AF lacks sufficient information for terminal identification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepublic IP address availabilityVSAvoidinformation security risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mapping relationship serves as a controlled intermediary that allows the AF to access public IP address information only when needed and through authorized channels. This intermediary mechanism reduces information loss while maintaining security by controlling the flow of sensitive information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies local quality by providing different levels of information access to different entities. The mapping relationship allows the AF to access public IP address information locally when required for data collection, while maintaining stricter information protection for other entities, thus balancing information availability with security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4664854A1Information acquisition method and apparatus, and communication device
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 VIVO MOBILE COMM CO LTD
  • EP4664854A1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP4664854A1 patent drawingFigure 1b~3
  • EP4664854A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5a

AI summary

The present application relates to the technical field of communications, and discloses an information acquisition method and apparatus, and a communication device. The information acquisition method in embodiments of the present application comprises: a first communication device receives a first request, wherein the first request is used for requesting to obtain first information; the first information comprises at least one of the following: a second IP address corresponding to a first IP address, a mapping relationship between the first IP address and the second IP address, the second IP address, and a second port number; the second port number is related to the second IP address; and the first IP address is a private IP address, and the second IP address is a public IP address.