UPnP RAS Gateway for Remote Device Discovery and Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UPnP technologies require remote devices to configure as a Remote Access Server (RAS) for remote access, which is inconvenient and inefficient, especially when devices lack public IP addresses or sufficient storage/processor capabilities, and do not allow direct communication between remote UPnP devices without copying content through a media server.
Innovation Solution
A UPnP RAS that enables communication between remote UPnP devices by establishing and managing Remote Access Transport (RAT) channels, allowing remote devices to discover and access each other without needing to copy content through a media server, by maintaining and synchronizing local and remote discovery information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If remote devices are configured as Remote Access Server (RAS) for remote access, then remote access capability is improved, but device complexity and configuration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between remote UPnP devices and the local network. The gateway performs RAS functions centrally, eliminating the need for each remote device to be configured as a RAS. The gateway manages transport channels and discovery information synchronization, simplifying individual device complexity while maintaining remote access capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway device performs multiple functions including RAS operations, discovery information management, and transport channel establishment. By consolidating these functions in a universal gateway, the system avoids requiring specialized RAS configuration on each remote device, reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If content is copied through a media server for sharing between remote devices, then content sharing is enabled, but storage and processing burdens on remote devices increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a virtual copying mechanism where discovery information about remote devices and their available content is replicated and synchronized across the network through the gateway. Instead of physically copying content through a media server, devices access remote content directly via established transport channels, eliminating the need for intermediate content storage.
3Reliability
If remote devices need public IP addresses for direct communication, then remote access reliability is improved, but adaptability to devices without public IP addresses deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway acts as an intermediary that enables devices without public IP addresses to communicate reliably with the local network. The gateway manages transport channels and routing, allowing remote devices behind NAT or without public IPs to access local resources and be accessed by other remote devices, thus maintaining reliability while expanding compatibility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If RAS configuration is required for each remote device, then remote access functionality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic discovery and connection establishment mechanisms. Remote devices automatically register with the gateway, and the gateway automatically manages transport channel establishment and discovery information synchronization. This self-service approach eliminates manual RAS configuration requirements while maintaining full remote access functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
In general, in one aspect, the disclosure describes a Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) Remote Access Server (RAS) to provide a communication channel between UPnP Remote Access Clients (RACs) connected thereto. The UPnP RAS maintains local discovery information for UPnP devices connected to a local network and remote discovery information for remote UPnP devices communicating therewith. The UPnP RAS provides the remote UPnP devices communicating therewith with the local discovery information and the remote discovery information. The remote discovery information is utilized by a first remote UPnP device to discover a second UPnP device and vice versa. After discovery, a first remote UPnP device can communicate with a second UPnP device and vice versa.