NAS Access via Single Detection Server Hole Punching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing NAT traversing solutions require two detection servers, increasing the cost and reducing the efficiency of accessing NAS devices due to the complexity of different NAT types, particularly symmetric NAT environments.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for a terminal application to access a NAS using a single detection server by establishing a hole punching connection, which includes monitoring and extracting port information to determine successful connection establishment and switching to relay connections if necessary, thereby reducing the complexity and cost of accessing NAS devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two detection servers are deployed for NAT traversing, then the reliability of accessing NAS is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of two detection servers into a single detection server. The detection server performs both detecting the NAT type of the terminal and establishing the hole punching connection, eliminating the need for a separate relay server and reducing system complexity while maintaining access reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The detection server is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the NAT type detector and as the hole punching connection establishment point. This universal server handles multiple roles that were previously distributed across two specialized servers, reducing overall system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If two detection servers are deployed for NAT traversing, then the access capability across different NAT types is improved, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic connection establishment where the detection server adaptively creates hole punching connections based on the detected NAT type. The server dynamically adjusts its behavior to handle different NAT types (full cone, restricted cone, port restricted cone, symmetric) efficiently, improving access speed across diverse network environments
Solution Approach 2:
The detection server performs preliminary NAT type detection before establishing the actual data connection. By pre-detecting the NAT type and preparing the appropriate hole punching strategy in advance, the system avoids delays during the actual data transmission phase, improving overall access efficiency
3Quantity of substance
If hole punching connections are established through one detection server, then the cost is reduced, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring connection status increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the detection server monitors the connection status between terminal and NAS by receiving feedback packets. The server tracks whether hole punching connections are successfully established and maintains connection validity through continuous status monitoring and packet verification
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal and NAS perform self-verification of connection status by sending and receiving test packets directly through the established hole punching connections. This self-service monitoring reduces the burden on the detection server while maintaining accurate connection status tracking
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a method and an apparatus for a terminal application to access a NAS. The method includes: when a request for a terminal application to access a NAS is received, sending an establishment request for a hole punching connection to the NAS, and receiving an establishment request for a hole punching connection sent by the terminal application; and after the hole punching connection with the terminal application and the hole punching connection with the NAS are successfully established, completing data transmission between the terminal application and the NAS based on the successfully established hole punching connections.