Modified SIP NAT Traversal via Pre-established Media Sessions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current SIP protocols are unable to facilitate direct data transmission between users located behind different NAT firewalls, resulting in failed VoIP connections due to the blocking of packets by NAT firewalls, which complicates the process of establishing media sessions and transmitting voice packets.

Innovation Solution

A modified SIP communication method that includes a NAT traversal mechanism and a pre-established media session, allowing users to register with a SIP proxy server and INT server, performing NAT address prediction sessions to determine correct IP addresses and ports for direct data intercommunication without relying on proxy servers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a proxy server is used for data transmission in SIP communication, then SIP messages can be transmitted between users behind NAT firewalls, but direct data transmission and voice packet transmission cannot be achieved due to NAT firewall blocking

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSIP message transmission reliabilityVSAvoidDirect data transmission capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing NAT type detection and address prediction before actual voice communication. The system detects NAT types (full-cone, restricted-cone, port-restricted, symmetric) during the SIP signaling phase and pre-calculates the mapping relationships between private and public IP addresses and ports. This preliminary preparation enables subsequent direct media transmission without requiring proxy servers for voice packets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the SIP proxy server as an intermediary only for signaling messages, not for media transmission. The proxy server facilitates the exchange of NAT traversal information (IP addresses, ports, NAT types) between endpoints during the call setup phase, then allows endpoints to communicate media directly. This selective intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by using the proxy only where necessary (signaling) while enabling direct communication where possible (media).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If NAT firewall blocks external packets to protect private network users, then network security is improved, but SIP communication and direct data transmission between users behind different NAT firewalls fail

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveNetwork security protectionVSAvoidSIP communication compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically determining and utilizing different NAT traversal methods based on detected NAT types. The system changes communication parameters (IP addresses, ports, mapping rules) according to the specific NAT configuration of each endpoint. For full-cone NAT, direct addressing works; for symmetric NAT, the system adjusts to use the established mapping relationships. This adaptability to different parameter configurations enables SIP communication across various NAT firewall types while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the SIP communication protocol adaptive to different NAT environments. The system dynamically detects NAT types during call setup and adjusts the media transmission parameters accordingly. Rather than using a static communication method, the protocol becomes flexible and responsive to the actual network conditions, enabling compatibility with various NAT firewall configurations without compromising security policies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the SIP protocol uses proxy servers for all data transmission, then message routing is simplified, but bandwidth consumption increases and direct communication efficiency is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveData transmission routing complexityVSAvoidBandwidth consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by separating the SIP communication process into two distinct phases: signaling (control plane) and media transmission (data plane). The proxy server handles only the signaling phase (SIP messages, call setup, teardown), while the media phase (voice packets, large data transmission) occurs directly between endpoints. This segmentation allows simplified routing for control messages while enabling efficient direct communication for data, reducing overall bandwidth consumption and maintaining routing simplicity where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS7751387B2Modified NAT firewall traversal method for SIP communication
Publication Date: 2010.07.06 NAT TAIPEI UNIV OF TECH
  • US7751387B2 patent drawing
  • US7751387B2 patent drawing
  • US7751387B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A modified NAT firewall traversal method for SIP communication is based on the common SIP network phone communication protocol, and is aided by Interactive NAT Traversal (INT) and pre-established media session ideas to accomplish the object of transversing NAT firewall. Users of private IP located within different NAT firewalls can therefore directly transmit voice packets by means of peer-to-peer transmission without the need of any proxy server of voice packets.