Relay Modules for Remote UPnP Network Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for controlling entities across different UPnP networks are complex, heavy to implement, and often result in address conflicts, with IMS architectures not being publicly accessible, and existing VPN tunnel solutions not being user-friendly for simple remote network control.

Innovation Solution

A method using relay modules to connect local and remote networks for command transmission, where access codes provide secure addressing data, allowing users to control remote UPnP entities without needing additional software, and implementing temporary access codes to prevent fraudulent use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If VPN tunnel or IMS architecture is used to connect networks, then remote control capability is achieved, but implementation complexity and device weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidimplementation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces relay modules as intermediary components that simplify network connection. Instead of using complex VPN tunnels or IMS architectures, the relay modules act as mediators between networks, enabling remote control through a simpler framework that reduces implementation complexity while maintaining remote control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the essential functionality needed for remote control from complex systems like VPN and IMS. By taking out only the necessary control capabilities and implementing them through simplified relay modules with access codes, the system achieves remote control without the burden of full VPN or IMS infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If VPN tunnel solution is used, then network connection is established, but address conflict issues arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork connectionVSAvoidaddress conflict
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The relay modules serve as intermediaries that manage address translation and routing between networks. This intermediary approach resolves address conflict issues by properly translating and routing addresses through the relay modules, ensuring reliable network connection without the address conflict problems inherent in direct VPN tunnel solutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If IMS architecture is used, then remote access is enabled, but public availability is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote access capabilityVSAvoidpublic availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service through access codes that users can obtain and use independently. The relay modules automatically handle authentication and connection establishment using these access codes, enabling remote access capability while maintaining public availability without requiring complex IMS architecture or specialized infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If UPnP multicast discovery is used, then local network entities are discovered, but remote network entities cannot be discovered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveentity discoveryVSAvoidnetwork scope
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The relay modules act as intermediaries that extend UPnP multicast discovery beyond local network boundaries. By receiving and forwarding discovery requests through the relay modules, the system enables remote network entities to be discovered while maintaining compatibility with the UPnP multicast discovery mechanism for local networks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The relay modules provide universal functionality by handling both local UPnP multicast discovery and remote network connection establishment. This multi-functional approach allows the same relay module infrastructure to support both local entity discovery and remote access, expanding network scope without sacrificing local UPnP compatibility.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2418821B1Method for controlling an entity of a first network from a second network
Publication Date: 2014.06.04 ORANGE SA
  • EP2418821B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2418821B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2418821B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The method involves obtaining a communication connection with a source relay module (DMS-R1) by a local relay module (DMS-R2) implemented in a local network (RS2) by utilizing address data of the source relay module, where the address data comprises an internet protocol address and communication port number. A command is transmitted to the source relay module by the local relay module via the communication connection. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) an equipment for remotely controlling an entity, comprising an obtaining unit (2) an access control server comprising a providing unit.