NAT Address Translation via Proxy Server for VoIP

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Solution Overview

Problem

The translation of private IP addresses into public IP addresses is complex, especially in VoIP communications, as existing methods require complex adaptations to client software, making it difficult for users, particularly in home sectors and embedded systems, to establish connections across Network Address Translation (NAT) boundaries.

Innovation Solution

A server system, such as a proxy server or gatekeeper, centrally negotiates and translates private IP addresses to public IP addresses, eliminating the need for client software adaptation by using protocols to contact a NAT name server, like a STUN server, thereby simplifying the address translation process and maintaining existing NAT configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If client software is adapted to perform address translation in VoIP communications, then address translation capability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaddress translation capabilityVSAvoidclient software complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A server system acts as an intermediary between NAT hosts and VoIP clients. The server performs address translation for VoIP protocol data centrally, eliminating the need for complex client software adaptations. The server negotiates with NAT hosts using standard protocols and translates private IP addresses to public IP addresses in VoIP payload data, while clients maintain simple, unmodified software.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If complex client software adaptation is implemented for address translation, then address translation capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaddress translation capabilityVSAvoiduser configuration simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The server system automatically performs address translation operations without requiring user configuration or technical knowledge. Users simply configure their VoIP applications with the server's address, and the server handles all complex address translation negotiations with NAT hosts automatically, making the system as easy to operate as standard VoIP without NAT complications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If address translation is performed only in IP headers by NAT hosts, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to untranslated VoIP protocol data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetranslation process simplicityVSAvoidVoIP data packet delivery

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The address translation function is segmented into two parts: NAT hosts handle IP header translation (maintaining simple operation), while the server system handles VoIP protocol data translation (ensuring reliable delivery). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function without overcomplicating the overall system, achieving both simplicity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8223762B2Method and device for translating internet protocol addresses inside a communications network

Publication Date: 2012.07.17 UNIFY BETEILIGUNGSVERWALTUNG GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

A private IP address is converted into a public IP address in a communications network without adapting a client software. The conversion of the private IP addresses into the public IP addresses is carried out via a network address translation. The private IP address of each terminal included in a payload of the IP data packet is convertible into a corresponding public IP address and, if necessary, vice-versa.