IP Connection Establishment via Intermediate Node Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional techniques for establishing an IP connection with a terminating node in mobile networks face challenges due to limited public IP addresses and the need to maintain firewall and gateway functionality, preventing IP devices from initiating connections across mobile networks.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows IP devices to initiate connections with terminating nodes using an intermediate node, which can request communication or notify the terminating node of incoming data through various communication techniques, including non-IP based methods, while accounting for limited public IP addresses and maintaining firewall and gateway functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a NAT is used to translate private IP addresses to public IP addresses, then address conservation is improved, but IP devices cannot initiate connections with terminating nodes behind the NAT
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a signaling system (SMS, MMS, DNS, or other notification mechanisms) as an intermediary to enable connection initiation. When an IP device wants to connect to a terminating node behind NAT, it sends a notification through the signaling system to the mobile network, which then establishes the data connection. This mediator bypasses the NAT restriction that normally prevents outgoing connection initiation.
2Reliability
If firewall and gateway functionality is maintained to secure the mobile network, then security is improved, but IP traffic cannot pass into the mobile network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary authentication and authorization actions through the signaling system before allowing IP traffic to pass through the firewall/gateway. The IP device must first send a notification message that is authenticated by the mobile network, and only after successful authentication is the data connection established. This preliminary action ensures security while enabling connectivity.
3Productivity
If dynamic IP address allocation is used in mobile networks, then address utilization is improved, but terminating nodes lack static identity for connection initiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the mobile network monitors and tracks the current IP address assignments of terminating nodes. When an IP device wants to connect, it sends a notification that includes the desired terminating node identifier. The mobile network uses feedback from its address allocation system to determine the current IP address of the terminating node and establishes the connection accordingly. This allows dynamic addressing to work with connection initiation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for establishing an Internet Protocol (IP) connection with a terminating node includes an originating node capable of initiating communication with the terminating node. The system also includes an intermediate node located between the originating node and the terminating node. The originating node is capable of initiating communication by either (a) requesting communication with the terminating node via the intermediate node, or (b) notifying the terminating node of incoming data independent of the intermediate node. In this regard, when the originating node initiates communication in accordance with (a), either the originating node or the intermediate node is capable of notifying the terminating node of incoming data. Upon being notified of incoming data, then, the terminating node is capable of registering with the intermediate node to thereby establish an IP connection between the originating node and the terminating node via the intermediate node.