Self-Describing Data Structures for Network Service Discovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protocols for discovering network services, particularly in VoIP environments, have limited applicability and efficiency in identifying and prioritizing available services across devices on a network.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of self-describing data structures like XML, HTTP, and name-value pairs for sending requests and responses to identify and prioritize network services, allowing devices to announce their availability and support for various protocols such as SIP, FTP, and HTTP/S, enabling efficient service discovery and configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing protocols are used for discovering network services, then service discovery can be performed, but the applicability and efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal service discovery protocol that can discover multiple types of network services (FTP, TFTP, HTTP/S, SIP, etc.) through a single standardized mechanism. The self-describing data structure allows the protocol to adapt to different service types without requiring separate discovery protocols for each service, thereby improving both applicability and efficiency simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses self-describing data structures where service information is represented through configurable parameters such as service type identifiers, protocol versions, and capability flags. This parametric approach allows the discovery mechanism to efficiently query and respond to various service types by changing parameter values rather than requiring different protocol structures, resolving the contradiction between versatility and efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If detailed service information is included in discovery responses, then service identification accuracy is improved, but data transmission overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments service information into hierarchical data structures with essential identification fields (service type, protocol version) separated from detailed capability fields. This segmentation allows clients to first query for basic service identification with minimal overhead, then request additional detailed information only when necessary, thereby maintaining high identification accuracy while reducing overall data transmission overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The discovery protocol implements partial action by allowing clients to specify the level of detail required in service information. Clients can request only essential identification data for quick service discovery, or request complete detailed information including all capabilities and attributes. This partial information approach maintains identification accuracy for basic service matching while reducing overhead when full detail is not required.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes sending a request for network services to plural devices, where the request identifies the network services using a self-describing data structure, and receiving a response to the request from at least one device, where the response identifies which of the network services are supported by the at least one device.