UPnP Proxy Gateway for Cross-Subnet Device Discovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network technologies, such as UPnP, cannot discover and control devices across the Internet, limiting the ability to connect and use devices from different subnets.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a UPnP device proxy apparatus that recognizes devices on one network and transmits information to a proxy on another network, allowing message transmission with destination information, enabling device discovery and control across subnets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If UPnP is used for automatic device discovery and connection within a network, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to cross-network communication deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between the UPnP local network and the external network (e.g., Internet). The gateway performs network address translation (NAT) and protocol conversion, allowing UPnP devices to communicate across networks without modifying the UPnP protocol itself. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of operation for UPnP devices while enabling cross-network adaptability through the gateway mediator.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments network communication into two distinct layers: the UPnP layer for automatic device discovery and connection within the local network, and the gateway layer for cross-network translation and routing. This segmentation allows each layer to operate independently with its own optimization, preserving UPnP's ease of operation while adding gateway-based adaptability for external network communication.
2Reliability
If devices are confined to the same subnet for communication, then reliability of connection is improved, but adaptability to different networks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway acts as a reliable intermediary that maintains connection stability through NAT and stateful packet inspection while extending network scope to multiple subnets and the Internet. It translates between private IP addresses used within subnets and public IP addresses required for external communication, preserving reliability while enabling broader adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If automatic IP address acquisition and device notification are implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway集中 (centralizes) the protocol translation and address management complexity, shielding individual UPnP devices from these complexities. Devices simply use standard UPnP protocols for automatic IP acquisition and notification, while the gateway handles the complex tasks of NAT, port forwarding, and cross-network protocol adaptation, thus maintaining ease of operation while managing complexity at the gateway level.
4Speed
If message transmission uses local destination information, then speed of communication is improved, but adaptability to remote networks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway serves as a mediator that receives messages with local destination information from UPnP devices, performs rapid local routing, and then translates and forwards messages to remote networks. This maintains high transmission speed for local communication while enabling remote accessibility through the gateway's translation and routing capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A UPnP device proxy apparatus (103) recognizes a device connected to a network (120) and transmits information regarding the recognized device to UPnP device proxy apparatus (101) The UPnP device proxy apparatus (101) receives the information transmitted from the UPnP device proxy apparatus (103) and transmits, based on the received information, a message indicating that the recognized device is available onto a network 105.