Node Relay System for Secure Gaming Packet Exchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

Real-time multiplayer gaming over the internet faces challenges with latency, jitter, packet loss, and exposure of dedicated servers to DDoS attacks due to unreliable and unordered packet transmission, as well as lack of control over packet routing between clients and servers.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a node system with relays that act as intermediaries between clients and servers, allowing packet exchange without revealing server IP addresses, and dynamically optimizing routes for improved quality of service and DDoS protection by using flow routes and tokens for secure communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If clients connect directly to dedicated servers by sending packets to the server's IP address, then packet transmission is simple and direct, but the server's IP address is exposed making it vulnerable to DDoS attacks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection setup complexityVSAvoidDDoS attack vulnerability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a relay server as an intermediary between clients and dedicated servers. The relay server receives packets from clients and forwards them to the dedicated server, and vice versa. This mediator approach allows communication without exposing the dedicated server's IP address to clients, thereby preventing direct DDoS attacks while maintaining connection functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If packets are sent over the public internet, then network coverage is wide and accessible, but the route taken is not under direct control and may not optimize QoS

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork accessibilityVSAvoidQoS optimization
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic route selection where the relay server can adjust the path packets take between client and server based on current network conditions. The system monitors QoS metrics and dynamically reroutes packets through optimal paths, allowing the network to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining reliable communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the route between client and server degrades or a better route becomes available, then network conditions change, but the client or server have no way to adjust the route

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroute flexibilityVSAvoidcommunication stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the relay server continuously monitors the quality of the communication path between client and server. When degradation is detected or better routes become available, the relay server receives feedback about network conditions and automatically adjusts the packet routing path to maintain optimal QoS, ensuring communication stability adapts to changing network conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3622699B1Methods of bidirectional packet exchange over nodal pathways
Publication Date: 2023.11.01 NETWORK NEXT INC
  • EP3622699B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3622699B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3622699B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A node system implements a method for node relay communication. A description of a flow entry including an address in a flow and a private key is received. The flow entry and the private key are stored in a database indexed to a flow ID. A packet comprising an authentication code and packet data including packet sequence information and a Flow ID is received. A look up in the database of a flow entry corresponding to the Flow ID of the packet is performed. The packet is either ignored or forwarded to the address in the flow, depending on the result of the look-up.