Secure Remote Debugging via Relay Server for Media Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Media devices, such as set-top boxes, often malfunction or operate incorrectly due to system failures or user errors, making it difficult for technical assistance to establish a secure remote connection across different private networks and firewalls, hindering timely and efficient troubleshooting and debugging.
Innovation Solution
Establishing a secure live remote debugging connection using a system that includes a persistent connection with a message server, relay manager, and relay server, enabling an SSH connection between the remote debug PC and the media device, even when they are in different private networks or behind firewalls, through a relay instance IP address and port forwarding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a direct connection is attempted between remote debug PC and media device across different private networks, then network security is maintained, but remote debugging capability is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relay server as an intermediary component that establishes separate connections with both the media device and the remote debug PC. The relay server forwards debug commands and data between the two parties without requiring them to establish a direct connection, thus maintaining network security while enabling remote debugging functionality across different private networks.
2Ease of operation
If port forwarding is configured on routers to enable remote access, then remote debugging is enabled, but network security and router compatibility are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The relay server acts as a mediator that eliminates the need for port forwarding configurations on customer routers. By establishing outbound connections from the media device to the relay server, the system avoids creating security vulnerabilities while still enabling remote access for debugging purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of allowing inbound connections to the media device (which would require port forwarding and create security risks), the system inverts the connection direction by having the media device initiate outbound connections to the relay server. This approach maintains security while achieving the same remote access goal.
3Adaptability or versatility
If SSH connection is established through relay server, then remote debugging works across networks, but connection establishment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The relay server pre-establishes connections with media devices and maintains them in a ready state. When remote debugging is needed, the connection is already in place, reducing the complexity of real-time connection establishment. The relay server manages the connection lifecycle, authentication, and data routing, simplifying the overall process for end users.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for establishing secure remote connections to media devices establish a secure shell (SSH) connection between two machines which are located in two different private networks, such as between a remote debugging computer and a receiving device. The receiving device has a persistent outbound connection with a message server. The remote debugging computer connects to a relay manager and obtains a relay instance IP address and port. The relay manager then forwards the relay instance IP address and port to the receiving device via the message server. After receiving the connection request from the message server, the receiving device connects to the relay instance IP and port and waits for the input data. The remote debugging computer performs an SSH handshake and the receiving device directly authenticates the SSH connection.