Relay Server Selection via In-Band Router Identifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
In network environments, client devices behind a network address translator (NAT) face challenges in bidirectional communication due to private IP addresses being unroutable outside the private network, leading to inefficient 'last mile' services when traditional relay servers are used, even if more optimal public devices are available.
Innovation Solution
Router devices insert identifier information into allocate request messages, allowing the relay server to select a more optimal router as a newly designated relay server based on factors like location and network capabilities, reducing reliance on proximal but suboptimal relay servers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional relay servers are used for client devices behind NAT, then bidirectional communication is enabled, but communication efficiency deteriorates due to reliance on proximal but suboptimal relay servers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an allocate request message as an intermediary carrier that transports router identifier information from the client device through the network to the relay server. This message acts as a mediator that enables the relay server to learn about optimal public-facing router devices without requiring direct communication between the client and potential relay servers, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining NAT compatibility and achieving optimal communication paths
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of relay server selection from static (proximal relay server) to dynamic (optimal public-facing router device) by inserting router identifier information into the allocate request message. This parameter change allows the relay server to select the most suitable router device based on network conditions and capabilities, improving communication efficiency while maintaining bidirectional communication capability
2Ease of operation
If relay servers are placed close to client devices, then connection establishment is simplified, but network load distribution deteriorates due to concentrated traffic on local ISPs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the relay server function from the traditional single-location relay server model and distributes it across multiple public-facing router devices in the network. By inserting router identifier information into allocate requests, the system enables traffic to be segmented and distributed to different router devices based on their capabilities and current load, reducing concentration on local ISPs while maintaining ease of connection establishment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics into the relay server placement by allowing the selection of optimal public-facing router devices based on real-time or near-real-time network conditions. The router identifier information inserted into allocate requests enables dynamic selection of relay servers, allowing the system to adapt to changing network conditions and distribute load more effectively across the network
Data Source
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AI summary
Techniques are provided for optimizing a choice of relay servers for optimizing network traffic flow between peer devices in a network. An allocate request message is received from a router device in a network and is destined for a relay server in the network. The message requests a public identifier from the relay server for the client device. Identifier information is inserted in the message that indicates an identity of the router device. A server device configured to operate as a relay server in the network receives the allocate request message. Based on the identifier information, the server device selects a particular router device in the network path to operate as a newly designated relay server for the client device. The server device sends to the client device an alternate server response message that indicates that the particular router device is selected as the newly designated relay server.