Peer-to-Peer Application Testing via Signalling Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for sharing project content, such as computer-aided design models and games, are limited by their reliance on local networks and incur significant server costs due to the need for hosting large data files, and are not applicable to web browser applications which lack direct hardware access and LAN communication permissions.
Innovation Solution
Establishing peer-to-peer connections between host and viewer devices using a signalling server to facilitate the sharing of project resources and real-time data, allowing for efficient and cost-effective project testing and iteration across multiple devices and networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional server infrastructure is used to host project content, then project sharing is enabled, but server running costs particularly bandwidth costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A signalling server acts as an intermediary to establish peer-to-peer connections between host and viewer devices. The signalling server facilitates connection setup but does not host the actual project content, thereby eliminating the need for traditional content hosting infrastructure and reducing bandwidth costs significantly
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a copy of the project content on the viewer's device rather than continuously serving it from a central server. The viewer device receives and caches the project content locally through peer-to-peer transfer, eliminating ongoing server bandwidth requirements while maintaining full project sharing functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If web browser applications are used, then accessibility is improved, but direct hardware access and LAN communication permissions are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The signalling server mediates between the web browser application and the peer-to-peer connection establishment process. It provides the necessary coordination and authentication mechanisms that enable browsers to participate in direct device-to-device communication without requiring traditional LAN permissions or direct hardware access
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces traditional mechanical network connection methods (direct LAN cables, server hosting infrastructure) with a software-based peer-to-peer protocol that operates through web browsers. This substitution enables browser-based applications to achieve direct communication capabilities without relying on physical network infrastructure or server intermediaries for content delivery
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of testing an application, comprising: establishing, from a host device, a peer-to-peer connection with a viewer device in a communications network; transmitting, from the host device, application project resources to the viewer device to enable testing of the application at the viewer device; and receiving, at the host device, data relating to the testing of the application.