P2P Communication Address Acquisition via Multi-Layer Network Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in establishing peer-to-peer (P2P) communication in complex and dynamically changing network environments, particularly when user terminals are connected through multiple routers with varying NAT settings, making it difficult to acquire and utilize appropriate address information for P2P connections.

Innovation Solution

A communication apparatus and method that acquires and notifies global, WAN-side, and local address information to establish P2P connections by determining the most suitable address information based on the network structure, using a server to facilitate address exchange and potentially switching between different connection methods like P2P server or STUN connection establishment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple routers with varying NAT settings are used in the network, then network coverage and connectivity are improved, but the complexity of acquiring appropriate address information for P2P communication increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidaddress information acquisition complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that mediates address information exchange between communication apparatuses. The server stores and provides appropriate address information (global, WAN-side, or local) based on network conditions, eliminating the need for complex direct discovery between endpoints and enabling P2P communication through multiple routers with varying NAT settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments address information into three distinct types: global address information, WAN-side address information, and local address information. This segmentation allows the system to select the most appropriate type based on network conditions and NAT configurations, simplifying the acquisition process by providing clear options rather than requiring complex analysis of all possible address formats.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic network changes occur, then network flexibility is improved, but the reliability of maintaining consistent address information for P2P communication deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork flexibilityVSAvoidaddress information consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where communication apparatuses periodically acquire updated address information from the server and can request re-acquisition when network conditions change. The server responds to status changes by providing updated address information, ensuring consistency despite dynamic network changes while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary acquisition of address information from the server before initiating P2P communication. By obtaining address information in advance and storing it locally, the system prepares for potential network changes, allowing quick re-acquisition if needed while maintaining reliable communication setup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If comprehensive address information (global, WAN-side, local) is acquired and stored, then P2P connection success rate is improved, but memory resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveP2P connection success rateVSAvoidmemory resource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by storing different types of address information (global, WAN-side, local) with different retention policies and priorities. The system keeps all three types available but can selectively use or discard less critical information based on current network conditions, maintaining high connection success rates while optimizing memory usage through differentiated storage strategies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS7457293B2Communication apparatus, method and program for realizing P2P communication

Publication Date: 2008.11.25 PANASONIC HOLDINGS CORP

AI summary

A communication apparatus includes a global address information acquiring section for acquiring first global address information, a WAN-side address information acquiring section for acquiring first WAN-side address information, and a local address information acquiring section for acquiring first local address information. Moreover, the apparatus includes an address information notification section for notifying the first global address information, the first WAN-side address information, and the first local address information to a communication partner apparatus. Furthermore, the apparatus includes an address information acquiring section for acquiring second global address information, a second WAN-side address information, and a second local address information assigned to the communication partner apparatus. The communication apparatus determines a method by which P2P connection can be established based on the first and second global address information, the first and second WAN-side address information, and the first and second local address information.