Name Service Server for Dynamic IP Network Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems, such as those between digital video recorders (DVRs) and remote control management systems, face difficulties in connecting across networks with dynamic IP addresses or those using Network Address Translation (NAT), as they require constant updates of IP and port information, making connections complex and unreliable.

Innovation Solution

A name service system and method that allows devices to register their names and network information with a name service server, enabling connections using only the name of the target device, which manages and updates IP and port information internally, facilitating connections across networks with static or dynamic IP addresses and NAT environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic IP addresses are used in communication networks, then network flexibility and ease of connection are improved, but connection reliability and ease of operation deteriorate due to constant IP address changes requiring manual updates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork flexibilityVSAvoidconnection ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a name service server as an intermediary between devices with dynamic IP addresses and remote control management systems. This server maintains a database mapping device names to current IP addresses and port numbers, automatically updating this information as devices connect to the network. When connection is needed, the remote control management system queries the name service server for the target device's current network information, eliminating the need for manual IP address updates and ensuring connection reliability despite dynamic IP changes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If Network Address Translation (NAT) is used to connect private networks, then network security and adaptability are improved, but connection complexity increases due to port forwarding requirements and inability to obtain network information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork securityVSAvoidconnection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The name service server acts as a mediator that works in conjunction with NAT-enabled routers. When a device behind a NAT router needs to be accessed, the device registers its name and the router's public IP address with the name service server. The server stores the mapping between device names, router public IP addresses, and internal port numbers. The remote control management system queries this information through the name service server, which provides the correct external address and port combination, simplifying connections through NAT networks without requiring manual port forwarding configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements automatic feedback mechanisms where devices periodically report their current network status and IP address assignments to the name service server. The server uses this feedback to maintain an up-to-date database of device network information, automatically adjusting the mappings as devices move between networks or obtain new IP addresses, thereby maintaining connection reliability without user intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If manual updates of IP and port information are required for connection, then connection accuracy can be maintained, but time consumption and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection accuracyVSAvoidtime for connection setup
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The name service server performs preliminary actions by proactively maintaining and updating the database of device network information before connections are needed. Devices register their names and initial network information with the server upon joining the network, and the server continuously monitors and updates this information. When connection is required, the remote control management system simply queries the pre-prepared information from the name service server, eliminating the time-consuming manual update process while ensuring accurate, current network information is used for connection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP1727332B1Name service system and method thereof
Publication Date: 2012.08.15 IDIS CO LTD
  • EP1727332B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1727332B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1727332B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A name service system and a method thereof. The name service system includes: a name service server registering a name and corresponding network information received through a communication network when name registration is requested, and sending network information corresponding to the registered name when a name call is requested; a plurality of monitoring devices collecting information, having respective names, requesting the name registration to the name service server through the communication network, registering the name and the network information corresponding to the name in the name service server, and sending changed network information to the name service server when the registered network information changes; and a plurality of remote control management devices connecting to the name service server through the communication network to request the name call, receiving network information corresponding to the name and sent from the name service server, connecting through the communication network using the network information, and thus receiving collected information. Accordingly, it is possible to communicate in a communication network environment using a dynamic Internet Protocol IP address with only the name of a communication connection target and no additional information, so that a system making connection easy and effective can be constructed.