Unicast Device Discovery Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media devices face challenges in interoperating over local and wide area networks due to router configuration issues that limit broadcast and multicast discovery messages, making it difficult for devices to effectively communicate and locate each other.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a series of unicast messages instead of broadcast messages to allow client and server devices to identify and communicate with each other on a network, using a finite set of recipient addresses and protocols like TCP for reliable transmission and UDP for efficient communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If broadcast or multicast discovery messages are used, then device discovery capability is improved, but router configuration complexity and network traffic congestion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single broadcast/multicast discovery message into multiple unicast messages sent to different potential device addresses. Each unicast message is targeted at a specific address, dividing the discovery process into discrete address-specific attempts rather than relying on a single broadcast message that requires router configuration support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using a series of targeted unicast messages as a mediator between the desire for broadcast-like discovery and the router's unicast-only configuration. These unicast messages serve as an intermediate mechanism that achieves broadcast functionality without requiring the router to support broadcast/multicast protocols.
2Speed
If broadcast discovery messages are used, then device location speed is improved, but network traffic congestion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by sending unicast messages with increasing time intervals between them, creating different transmission densities for different address ranges. Early messages in the sequence use shorter intervals to maintain discovery speed, while later messages use longer intervals to reduce network traffic congestion as the search progresses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by sending unicast discovery messages at regular intervals rather than continuously. The time interval between successive unicast messages is configured to balance discovery speed with network traffic management, creating a periodic transmission pattern that reduces overall network congestion while maintaining acceptable discovery performance.
3Loss of energy
If unicast messages are used instead of broadcast, then network traffic congestion is reduced, but device discovery reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by sending multiple unicast messages to different addresses in advance before giving up on device discovery. The system proactively attempts communication with a sequence of potential device addresses, performing discovery actions beforehand rather than waiting for broadcast responses, thereby maintaining reliability without requiring broadcast support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring responses to each unicast message and adjusting the discovery process accordingly. When a device responds to a unicast message, the system receives feedback that confirms successful discovery. The system also tracks which addresses have been contacted and uses this feedback to avoid redundant messages, maintaining discovery reliability through systematic address management.
Data Source
AI summary
Client and server devices identify each other over a LAN or similar network through a series of unicasts. Rather than broadcasting a service announcement or discovery request as a broadcast or multicast, for example, a device instead transmits a series of unicast messages using a finite set of recipient network addresses and port numbers. Responses to the unicast messages can be collected and tracked to thereby allow subsequent communications to occur via unicasts with only the recognized addresses, with a multicast to only the recognized addresses, and/or otherwise as desired. By allowing the clients and servers to communicate with a finite set of unicast messages, a “broadcast” type message can be sent on the network without a need for router configuration. Moreover, unicasts can be sent using different protocols (e.g., TCP) than the subsequent traffic (e.g., UDP), thereby making discovery of compatible devices on the network more reliable.