Seamless Host Migration via NAT Profile Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network configurations face disruptions due to connectivity issues between hosts and clients, leading to data loss and network session disruptions, especially in peer-to-peer communication, where clients behind certain NAT types experience unreliable communication.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system where clients can serve as backup hosts, determined by their NAT profile, to seamlessly migrate host functions and ensure uninterrupted data distribution by transmitting data to backup hosts when communication with the primary host is interrupted, using NAT profile information for determination and host information sharing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a host manages and distributes data to all clients in a network session, then data distribution control is improved, but network reliability deteriorates when connectivity issues occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata distribution controlVSAvoidnetwork session continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-establishing backup host relationships and pre-positioning backup data copies before connectivity failures occur. When a failure is detected, the backup host is already identified and ready to immediately take over data distribution functions, minimizing disruption to the network session.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces backup hosts as intermediary elements that mediate between the primary host and clients. When the primary host becomes unavailable, these intermediary backup hosts assume the data distribution role, ensuring continuous service without requiring clients to directly manage connectivity issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If clients transmit data only to the host, then data distribution simplicity is improved, but data loss increases during connectivity interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission pathVSAvoiddata loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-establishing backup transmission paths and pre-copying data to backup hosts before connectivity failures occur. When interruptions happen, data that would have been lost is already preserved at the backup host, enabling immediate recovery without data loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by creating redundant data copies and backup transmission paths in advance. This cushioning absorbs the impact of connectivity failures, preventing data loss rather than reacting to it after the fact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Productivity

If peer-to-peer communication is enabled for direct client communication, then communication efficiency is improved, but NAT compatibility issues worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidNAT type compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces backup hosts as intermediary elements that mediate communication between clients behind different NAT types. The backup host receives data from one client and forwards it to another client, bypassing direct P2P connection requirements and NAT compatibility issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes communication parameters based on NAT detection. When a client is identified as being behind a restrictive NAT type, the system switches from direct P2P communication mode to backup host-mediated communication mode, adapting the communication approach to match NAT capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If clients behind restrictive NAT types establish direct connections, then connection directness is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection directnessVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces backup hosts as intermediary elements that mediate communication between clients behind restrictive NAT types. The backup host receives data from one client and forwards it to another client, bypassing direct P2P connection requirements and NAT compatibility issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2360874B1Seamless host migration based on NAT type
Publication Date: 2017.04.19 SONY COMP ENTERTAINMENT AMERICA LLC
  • EP2360874B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP2360874B1 patent drawingFigure 1D
  • EP2360874B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A host system for use in network distribution systems may be provided by embodiments of the present invention. Such host systems (200) may include an acknowledgement module (220) to acknowledge client communications upon receipt, a negotiation module (230) to negotiate whether a particular client is capable of serving as a backup host, and a backup application module (250) to deliver to the client an application providing host information. Some embodiments of the present invention further include a host information database (240) and a timer (270). NAT profile information may be collected, analyzed, and utilized in determining backup host viability.