Relay Server Routing Group Information for WAN Flexibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing relay communication systems face challenges in constructing networks that are both flexible and expandable, particularly when client terminals need to communicate across wide area networks, as they struggle to dynamically manage routing and association information effectively.

Innovation Solution

A relay communication system is developed where multiple relay servers are connected through a wide area network, utilizing routing group information that includes network addresses and permitted terminal information to establish and manage routing sessions between client terminals and relay servers, allowing for flexible routing control and easy management of routing configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If relay servers share identification information of client terminals to enable communication, then communication capability is improved, but system complexity and difficulty of managing association information increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces relay servers as intermediary devices that mediate communication between client terminals on different LANs. Instead of direct peer-to-peer communication requiring complex terminal-to-terminal association management, the relay servers act as intermediaries that share and manage association information centrally, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining communication capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The relay servers perform multiple functions: they share identification information of client terminals, manage association information between terminals and networks, and enable routing control. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate mechanisms, reducing system complexity while improving adaptability.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If relay servers share association information across the network, then communication flexibility is improved, but information security and access control difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication flexibilityVSAvoidaccess control difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by allowing different relay servers to have different levels of association information sharing based on their specific network contexts. Each relay server can control what information is shared with which other relay servers, enabling fine-grained access control while maintaining overall communication flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes parameters of association information sharing based on network conditions and security requirements. Relay servers can adjust the scope, timing, and granularity of information sharing, transforming a static security model into a dynamic one that balances flexibility and control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If client terminals function as routing devices, then routing flexibility is improved, but routing control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverouting flexibilityVSAvoidrouting control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables client terminals to function as routing devices through self-service mechanisms. Terminals can autonomously establish routing sessions with relay servers and other terminals based on shared association information, without requiring complex centralized routing configuration. This distributes routing control intelligence while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Relay servers perform preliminary actions by pre-sharing association information and routing capabilities with client terminals. This preparation enables terminals to independently execute routing functions without real-time complex control, reducing operational complexity while maintaining routing flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2432174B1Relay communication system and first relay server
Publication Date: 2018.09.19 MURATA MASCH LTD
  • EP2432174B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2432174B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2432174B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An object is to provide a communication method excellent in flexibility and expandability in the event of constructing a communication system in which communication terminals communicate with one another through a WAN. A client terminal 11 creates routing group information 91 including network addresses of LANs 10-2 and 30-2, and identification information of the client terminals 11 and 31 which execute routing processing, and shares the routing group information 91 with the client terminal 31. Based on the routing group information 91, a routing session is established between the client terminals 11 and 31. A communication terminal connected to the LAN 10-2 sends out a communication packet in which an IP address of a communication terminal connected to the LAN 30-2 is designated. The communication packet is encapsulated by the client terminal 11, and is routed by using the routing session.