Network Media Gateway Remote File Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication networks lack the ability for users to remotely access media and text files stored in local area network devices, limiting file sharing and management across networks.
Innovation Solution
A network media discovery and remote access mechanism implemented through a router or network traffic managing node, which discovers and catalogs media files, and allows remote access by creating a catalog of files that can be accessed via a wide area network, using protocols like DLNA and UPnP for file organization and sharing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a router connects LAN to WAN and routes packets, then network connectivity is enabled, but remote access to local media files is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a media gateway as an intermediary device between the LAN and WAN. The gateway discovers media files in the LAN, creates a catalog, and makes it accessible remotely through the WAN. This intermediary enables remote access without requiring direct connections between remote users and local devices, resolving the contradiction between maintaining simple routing functionality and enabling versatile file sharing.
Solution Approach 2:
The router is enhanced with multiple functions: traditional packet routing, media file discovery, catalog creation, and remote access management. By making the router a multi-functional device, the patent enables both basic network connectivity and advanced file sharing capabilities within a single system, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adaptability.
2Loss of information
If media files are discovered and cataloged in the LAN, then file organization is improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The media gateway automatically discovers media files in the LAN using standardized protocols like DLNA and UPnP, and autonomously creates and maintains the file catalog. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual file inventory and reduces the complexity of network management, resolving the contradiction between improving file information accessibility and reducing network mechanism complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If remote access to LAN files is enabled, then file sharing capability is enhanced, but security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The media gateway acts as a secure intermediary that mediates all remote access requests. It authenticates users, manages permissions, and controls file access without exposing the internal LAN structure. This intermediary layer enables versatile remote file access while mitigating security risks by preventing direct connections to local devices.
Data Source
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AI summary
A network traffic managing node of a local area network, such as a router or gateway, can implement a network discovery and remote access mechanism for the local area network. A catalog of a plurality of files stored in a plurality of network devices of the local area network is created at the network traffic managing node based, at least in part, on information associated with the plurality of files determined using a network discovery procedure. The catalog of the plurality of files is provide to a remote network node of a wide area network in response to receiving a message from the remote network node requesting access to the plurality of files. One or more files are provided to the remote network node in response to receiving a message from the remote network node requesting the one or more files from the catalog of the plurality of files.