UPnP Control Point Connection Restriction via Configuration Files
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UPnP technologies lack a method to restrict connections between devices on a network, leading to potential security and stability issues due to uncontrolled communication between appliances.
Innovation Solution
A UPnP control point and device with a configuration file that allows or denies connections using a firewall function, analyzing SSDP responses and advertisements to determine whether to establish or deny service connections based on predefined rules in the configuration file.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If UPnP devices automatically detect and connect to each other without configuration, then ease of operation is improved, but network security and stability deteriorate due to uncontrolled communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring allow/deny lists in configuration files before devices attempt to connect. The control point analyzes these configuration files in advance to determine which devices are permitted to communicate, establishing security rules beforehand rather than reacting to connection attempts. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining automatic connection capabilities while pre-establishing security controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - the configuration file analysis system that acts as a mediator between automatic connection requests and actual service establishment. The control point intercepts SSDP responses, analyzes them against configuration rules, and selectively permits or blocks connections based on predefined criteria. This intermediary layer enables both automatic operation and security control simultaneously.
2Reliability
If connection restrictions are implemented using configuration files and analysis, then network security is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling devices to automatically analyze configuration files and make connection decisions without requiring external security management. The control point autonomously parses configuration files, compares device identifiers against allow/deny lists, and determines connection permission status independently. This self-service approach improves security while avoiding the need for complex centralized security management systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by transforming raw SSDP responses into structured data that can be evaluated against configuration parameters. The control point extracts device identifiers from SSDP responses, compares them against predefined allow/deny lists in configuration files, and changes the connection state parameter based on this evaluation. This parameter-based approach provides security control through simple configurable parameters rather than complex control logic.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are a UPnP control point and a UPnP device based on the UPnP network and a connecting method using the same, in which a service connection is performed. The service connection is restrictedly performed using a configuration file defined to allow or deny a connection with a specific device on the UPnP network, so that only devices specified by a user can be connected.