Media Relay NAT Traversal via Rendezvous Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in displaying the output of computational devices, such as personal computers or laptops, on televisions without physically connecting them, due to the complexity and cost of existing systems, and the limitations of available connectors and signal sources.
Innovation Solution
A media relay system that allows a source device to stream media through a media server to a display device, using a network such as a cable television network, without the need for direct connection, and employs a rendezvous server to facilitate communication across Network Address Translation (NAT) devices, avoiding traditional NAT traversal techniques like TCP hole punching or proxy servers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a physical display cable is used to connect computational device to television, then media output can be displayed on television, but the system complexity and cost increase due to cable acquisition, connector matching, and manual setup requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless network-based media relay system. Instead of requiring physical cables and manual connector matching, the system uses network protocols to transmit media data wirelessly from the computational device to the television, eliminating the need for physical connection infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a media relay server as an intermediary component that facilitates communication between the computational device and television. This server receives media data from the computational device via network protocols and relays it to the television, acting as a mediator that simplifies the connection process without requiring direct device-to-device wiring.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional NAT traversal techniques like TCP hole punching or proxy servers are used, then media can be transmitted across network boundaries, but security risks and scalability issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a media relay server positioned between the computational device and the network, serving as an intermediary that handles NAT traversal. This server receives media data from the computational device, processes it through appropriate network protocols, and relays it to the television, thereby isolating direct peer-to-peer connections and reducing security exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the media transmission path into distinct functional components: the computational device, the media relay server, and the television. This segmentation allows each component to operate independently with optimized security measures, preventing direct exposure between endpoints while maintaining network compatibility across different environments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple signal sources are connected to the television, then media from different sources can be displayed, but the availability of suitable input connectors decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical input connector assignments with network-based signal routing. Instead of relying on limited physical input ports on the television, the system uses network protocols to multiplex multiple media sources through the network infrastructure, allowing unlimited sources to share the same physical connection path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal network interface that can handle multiple signal sources through a single connection point. The media relay server and network protocols provide multi-functional capability to route different media streams from various sources through the network to the television, eliminating the need for separate physical connectors for each source.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, and computer program product for Network Address Translation (NAT) traversal that couples a first device behind a NAT device to a second device is provided. The method includes the steps of receiving a first request from the first device to open a connection with the second device, receiving a second request from the second device to open a connection with the first device, where the second request includes the connection address of the second device, and sending the connection address of the second device to the first device which allows the first device to connect to the second device.