NAT Traversal Data Delivery via UDP and Peer Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional client-server models for data distribution are unsuitable for scaling to high demands, and existing solutions for peer-to-peer communication across Network Address Translation (NAT) routers are inefficient, requiring intermediary systems that increase bandwidth usage and are complex to configure.
Innovation Solution
A data delivery system that establishes direct connections between computers behind NAT routers by testing router types and using UDP frames for secure packet transport, with reordering and correction techniques, and organizes peers to share data streams, reducing source bandwidth requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If intermediary computers are used to enable communication between systems behind NAT routers, then direct communication is achieved, but bandwidth usage doubles and performance is severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a control message channel as an intermediary to establish direct data communication paths. The control channel coordinates NAT traversal by exchanging connection information and establishing peer-to-peer data channels, allowing systems behind NAT routers to communicate directly without requiring continuous intermediary relay for data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system is segmented into a control message channel and separate data communication channels. The control channel handles coordination and NAT traversal setup, while once established, direct data channels are created between peers, separating the functions of coordination and data transfer to optimize bandwidth usage.
2Ease of operation
If traditional client-server models are used for data distribution, then data delivery is simple to implement, but the system cannot scale to massive intermittent demands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a peer-to-peer architecture where each system independently establishes connections and participates in data distribution. Instead of a central server managing all connections, systems self-organize by exchanging connection information through control messages, enabling the network to automatically scale without additional centralized coordination infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a hierarchical client-server model to a distributed peer-to-peer topology. This dimensional change in network architecture allows any system to act as both client and server, enabling horizontal scaling where each new participant adds capacity rather than increasing load on a single server.
3Ease of operation
If UPnP or similar technologies are used for NAT router configuration, then automatic port forwarding is achieved, but the system becomes overly complex and incompatible across devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the NAT traversal functionality from complex configuration protocols like UPnP and implements a simplified custom control message protocol. Instead of relying on vendor-specific configuration mechanisms, the system uses a lightweight custom protocol that directly exchanges connection information, reducing complexity while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than trying to reconfigure NAT routers through complex protocols, the patent inverts the approach by having systems exchange connection information and establish direct connections without modifying router configurations. The control messages carry the necessary connection data to enable peers to connect directly through the NAT infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A data delivery system and method of the present invention according to one embodiment includes establishing connections between computers regardless of NAT, transporting data between computers in a reliable fashion, creating a secure stream of packets from stored or streaming data on a server, organizing a plurality of computers to cooperatively transport secure packet streams, transporting and correcting secure packet streams in a cooperative environment, and rendering the original stored or streaming data from a secure packet stream thereby reducing demand on the server.