P2P Invitation Service for Mobile NAT Traversal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Peer-to-peer (P2P) communication between mobile devices is hindered by Network Address Translation (NAT) operations, particularly in mobile devices that frequently switch between different NAT implementations and communication channels, making direct connections difficult to establish.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that utilize an invitation service to collect network information from mobile devices, determine the feasibility of direct P2P communication, and if necessary, establish connections through a relay service, maintaining per-connection state information, using services like connection data exchange (CDX) and matchmaker services to facilitate secure and efficient communication channel establishment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If NAT operations are used to manage public and private network addresses, then network security and address space conservation are improved, but peer-to-peer connection establishment between mobile devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that collects network information from mobile devices and facilitates P2P connections. The server acts as a mediator that gathers device details (IP addresses, ports, device identifiers) and enables direct peer-to-peer communication while maintaining NAT protection. This resolves the contradiction by allowing P2P connections without requiring devices to directly traverse NAT barriers themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the server collect network information from mobile devices before actual P2P communication occurs. The server pre-gathers device identifiers, IP addresses, and port information, and prepares connection facilitation data in advance. This preliminary information collection enables subsequent direct P2P connections to be established more easily without repeated NAT traversal attempts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mobile devices frequently switch between different NAT implementations and communication channels, then communication flexibility and adaptability are improved, but connection stability and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by creating a multi-functional server system that handles multiple communication channels (WiFi, cellular, Bluetooth) and various NAT implementations through a single unified interface. The server can collect and manage network information across different network types and communication protocols, providing universal compatibility. This allows mobile devices to switch between channels while maintaining connection stability through the server's centralized management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the server continuously collects network information from mobile devices and uses this information to facilitate appropriate connections. The server receives feedback about device network states, NAT types, and communication channel availability, then adjusts connection facilitation strategies accordingly. This feedback loop maintains connection reliability even as devices switch between different NAT implementations and communication channels.
3Productivity
If direct P2P connections are attempted without server assistance, then communication efficiency and speed are improved, but connection establishment difficulty and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the complex NAT traversal logic from mobile devices and centralizing it in a server. Instead of each device attempting complex direct connections through various NAT types, the server extracts and manages the connection facilitation function. This extracts the complexity from the endpoint devices while maintaining efficient direct P2P communication between them once connected.
Data Source
AI summary
An invitation service performs a series of transactions to enable P2P communication between two or more mobile data processing devices. Prior to attempting to establish a P2P network communication channel, the invitation service may first collect network information for each of the mobile devices and use the network information to determine if a direct P2P network communication channel is feasible. If a direct connection is feasible, then the invitation service provides for direct P2P communication, pushing the necessary network information to each of the mobile devices. If, however, a direct connection is infeasible or if a direct connection is attempted and fails, then the invitation service may identify network information associated with a relay service. The network information may then be used by any pair of mobile devices to establish a connection through the relay service.