Proxy-Based WebRTC Bridging Without Per-Instance SSL Certificates
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication protocols, such as WebRTC, restrict connections between secure and unsecure devices, particularly in cloud and cluster computing environments, due to requirements for SSL certificates on each server instance, making it tedious and impractical to manage multiple domains and certificates.
Innovation Solution
A proxy service implemented on a stream manager server with an SSL certificate establishes a bridge between secure and unsecure devices using WebSocket secure and unsecure connections, enabling data exchange through a proxy channel and maintaining the connection with a pinger mechanism, allowing secure data to flow to unsecure devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If SSL certificates are installed on each server instance in a cluster to enable secure WebRTC connections, then secure communication is achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to the need to manage multiple domains and certificates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a proxy server as an intermediary component between secure and unsecure devices. The proxy server establishes a secure connection to the unsecure device and forwards communications, allowing the unsecure device to appear as if it has a secure connection without actually requiring SSL certificates. This mediator resolves the contradiction by providing security at the proxy level rather than requiring it at each endpoint.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the communication path into distinct secure and unsecure portions. The proxy server handles the secure portion of the connection while the unsecure device operates in its native unsecure environment. This segmentation allows each component to operate in its optimal security mode without forcing SSL certificate installation on unsecure devices.
2Reliability
If SSL certificates are installed on each server instance to comply with WebRTC security requirements, then connection security is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to tedious certificate management
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy server acts as a mediator that centralizes security management. Instead of distributing SSL certificate management across multiple server instances, the proxy server consolidates the secure connection handling in a single location. This eliminates the operational burden of managing certificates on each individual device while maintaining connection security.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a proxy service is introduced to bridge secure and unsecure devices, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the additional proxy component
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy server is designed with multi-functionality to handle various communication protocols and scenarios. It can establish secure connections, forward data packets, negotiate WebRTC connections, and manage multiple simultaneous communications. This universal design allows a single proxy component to handle diverse communication needs, reducing the need for multiple specialized components.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to systems and methods suitable for establishing communication between secure and unsecure devices. In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods that enables communication between secure and unsecure devices utilizing communication protocols that require implementation over secured connections.