UPnP Remote Access via SIP and TURN Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional UPnP technologies face challenges in providing remote access services across the Internet due to the lack of guaranteed IP multicast service, limiting the ability to control UPnP devices outside the home network.
Innovation Solution
A UPnP method and apparatus that dynamically sets channel setting information (RATA profile) and passes network address translation (NAT) to enable remote access services by using a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) to establish a remote access channel with a Remote Access Server (RAS) and Remote Access Client (RAC), even when behind a NAT-based private network, through the use of a TURN server for relaying packets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If IP multicast is used for UPnP device discovery in home network, then device discovery and control within home network is enabled, but remote access via Internet cannot be guaranteed due to lack of IP multicast service at Internet level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Remote Access Server (RAS) as an intermediary component deployed within the home network. This RAS acts as a mediator that receives control requests from external control points via unicast TCP connections and forwards them to the target UPnP devices within the home network. This intermediary approach bypasses the need for IP multicast service at Internet level while maintaining reliable remote access capability.
2Ease of operation
If centralized control architecture is used for UPnP, then device control is simplified, but it conflicts with the distributed peer-to-peer networking structure of UPnP
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control functionality into two parts: a centralized Remote Access Server (RAS) that handles external communication and protocol translation, and distributed UPnP devices that maintain their original peer-to-peer control mechanisms. This segmentation allows the system to enjoy the simplicity of centralized control for remote access while preserving the distributed architecture benefits within the home network.
3Ease of operation
If dynamic RATA profile provision is implemented, then remote access channel setup becomes easy with minimal user input, but additional complexity is introduced in profile generation and management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the Remote Access Server (RAS) automatically generates RATA profiles by extracting capability information from incoming SIP packets and autonomously manages profile storage and distribution. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual profile configuration by users while concentrating the management complexity within the RAS, which is designed to handle these operations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If NAT passing address provision is implemented, then remote access is enabled through NAT-based private networks, but additional complexity is introduced in address management and packet routing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the Remote Access Server (RAS) as an intermediary that handles all NAT-related complexity. The RAS establishes connections through NAT boundaries using SIP protocols and manages address translation, while internal UPnP devices communicate through the RAS without needing to understand NAT mechanics. This intermediary approach enables NAT compatibility while isolating address management complexity within the RAS.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are a universal plug and play (UPnP) method and a UPnP apparatus for providing remote access service. The method includes receiving external inputs of an identifier of a remote access server (RAS) to generate a credential and a session initiation protocol (SIP) identifier of the RAS, generating a payload of a SIP packet, which comprises a credential ID generated based on the identifier of the RAS, remote access transport agent (RATA) capability information, and a transport address (TA) set corresponding to candidate IP addresses to access the RAC, and transmitting the SIP packet to the RAS.