Port Multiplexing Gateway for Video Conference Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional video conference systems face security risks, increased complexity, and high costs due to the lack of multiplexing of transmission media ports, leading to multiple ports on enterprise networks.

Innovation Solution

A port multiplexing method and server that initiates connections, converts and forwards registration and media stream messages between terminals and a video conference server, using protocols like SIP and RTP/RTCP, to provide a unified port for media stream transmission, reducing the number of ports needed and enhancing security and deployment simplicity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple ports are opened on client network devices for media stream transmission, then video conference functionality is achieved, but security risks increase and system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevideo conference functionalityVSAvoidsecurity risks
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple port functions into a single port by implementing port multiplexing technology. The gateway device receives media streams from multiple terminals through one port and forwards them to the video conference server, eliminating the need for multiple ports on client network devices while maintaining video conference functionality and reducing security risks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between terminals and the video conference server. This gateway handles port multiplexing and media stream routing, allowing terminals to communicate through a single port while the gateway manages multiple connections internally, thus reducing security risks without affecting functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple ports are opened on client network devices, then media stream transmission is enabled, but deployment complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemedia stream transmissionVSAvoiddeployment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple port functions into a single port through port multiplexing. The gateway device consolidates multiple media stream connections through one port, simplifying network configuration and reducing deployment complexity while maintaining full media stream transmission capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The gateway device is designed with multi-functional capability to handle multiple media streams through a single port. It can simultaneously manage registration messages, participation invitation messages, and various media streams from multiple terminals, reducing the need for multiple specialized ports and simplifying deployment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If traditional port allocation methods are used for each terminal, then terminal identification is achieved, but the number of ports increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterminal identificationVSAvoidnumber of ports
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The gateway device acts as an intermediary that implements port multiplexing. It receives media streams from multiple terminals through a single port and uses message headers (such as Multiplexing ID in RTP packets) to identify and route streams from different terminals, maintaining precise terminal identification while reducing the number of ports needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the identification parameter from physical port numbers to logical identifiers within messages. Instead of using different ports to identify terminals, the system uses Multiplexing IDs and other message parameters to distinguish terminal streams, allowing multiple terminals to share a single port while maintaining accurate identification

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3515032B1Port multiplexing method and server in video conference system and computer storage medium
Publication Date: 2021.09.15 ZTE CORP
  • EP3515032B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3515032B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3515032B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A port multiplexing method and server in a video conference system and a computer storage medium are provided. A first connection initiated by a terminal is accepted by servers provided at the terminal and a video conference server; a registration message sent by the terminal by means of the first connection is received, and the registration message is forwarded to the corresponding video conference server, so as to register the terminal on the video conference server. A participation invitation message sent by one of the terminal or the video conference server is then received and forwarded to the other party, so as to establish a session between the terminal and the video conference server. At least one connection initiated by the terminal is then accepted, and various types of media streams sent by the terminal through the at least one connection are received and converted and then forwarded to the video conference server, so as to implement a video conference. By means of the present invention, an effect of providing a port to a terminal by a video conference server is achieved, the complexity of deploying a video conference system is reduced, some of security risks are reduced, and user experience is improved.