Remote Media Gateway for Cross-Network Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions do not enable remote control of media transfer between devices located in different local networks, limiting the implementation of the 3-box model across multiple networks.
Innovation Solution
A method and arrangement that allows a remote control device in one local network to obtain discovery information, send a remote access request to a home multimedia gateway in another local network, and receive communication parameters to establish a multimedia session between devices across different local networks, enabling media communication in either direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If devices in different local networks attempt to communicate media directly, then network security and control are maintained, but remote media communication is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote media server as an intermediary component that bridges devices in different local networks. This server receives media from a source device in one network, processes it, and delivers it to a target device in another network, thereby enabling remote communication while maintaining network security boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the media communication function into separate components: a media capture module at the source device, a remote media server handling transmission and protocol conversion, and a media playback module at the target device. This segmentation allows each component to operate within its own network context while achieving cross-network communication.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a remote control device initiates media sessions across networks, then media transfer capability is enabled, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The remote media server automatically performs session establishment, protocol conversion, and media routing without requiring complex configuration on remote control devices. The server self-manages the complex tasks of negotiating media formats, establishing transmission channels, and coordinating between different network environments, simplifying the user experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote media server is designed as a universal platform that handles multiple functions: media reception from various sources, protocol adaptation between different formats, quality adjustment, and distribution to multiple target devices. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple specialized components.
3Speed
If local IP addresses are used for device communication, then local network performance is optimized, but external network routing is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The remote media server acts as a mediator that translates between local IP addressing schemes of different networks. It receives media from source devices using their local IP addresses, then re-packages and forwards the media to target devices in another network using that network's IP addressing scheme, thereby maintaining local optimization while enabling external connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes IP address parameters based on the destination network. When media needs to be transmitted outside the local network, the remote media server modifies the IP address parameters in the data packets to be compatible with the target network's addressing scheme, allowing seamless cross-network transmission.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and arrangement for remotely controlling the communication of media between devices in different local networks (200, 202) using a remote control device (200b). The remote control device obtains discovery information on a first device (200c) and sends a remote access request over a multimedia service network to a home multimedia gateway (202b) in the opposite local network (202) for a connection to a second device (202c) therein. The home multimedia gateway then responds with communication parameters established for the second device in a residential gateway, and the remote control device can then order the first device to execute a multimedia session with the second device by using said communication parameters. This solution enables a remote control device visiting a local network to order a device in that network to fetch media content from a device in another home network, or vice versa.