WebRTC-IMS Interworking Architecture for NAT Traversal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current WebRTC-IMS interworking solutions face challenges in seamlessly integrating Web Real-Time Communication (WebRTC) protocols with existing cellular communication standards, particularly in establishing stable and secure multimedia sessions across different network environments, including those with network address translation (NAT) barriers.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a WebRTC-IMS interworking architecture that includes a WebRTC Web Proxy function (WWPF), Real-Time Communication (RTC) Media Function, and Traversal Using Relays around Network Address Translation (TURN) proxy, which facilitates communication by converting between WebRTC and 3GPP protocols, and utilizes IMS credentials for authentication, enabling multimedia sessions without requiring additional software or plugins.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If WebRTC protocols are integrated with 3GPP cellular standards through a proxy architecture, then seamless communication across different network environments is achieved, but device complexity increases due to multiple protocol conversion components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication compatibilityVSAvoidarchitecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a WebRTC Web Proxy Function (WWPF) as an intermediary component that mediates between WebRTC-based applications and 3GPP cellular networks. This proxy handles protocol conversion, authentication, and session management, allowing seamless communication between different network architectures without requiring complex modifications to end devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The architecture is segmented into distinct functional components: the WebRTC Web Proxy Function (WWPF) for protocol conversion, the Real-Time Communication Media Function for media processing, and the Traversal Using Relays around Network Address Translation (TURN) proxy for NAT traversal. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific tasks independently, improving manageability and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If protocol conversion functions are implemented to enable WebRTC-IMS interworking, then communication flexibility across networks is improved, but processing time increases due to additional conversion steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork interoperabilityVSAvoidsession establishment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The WebRTC Web Proxy Function performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing communication paths, pre-authenticating users using IMS credentials, and pre-configuring media routes before actual multimedia sessions begin. This preparation work reduces the time required during actual session establishment and media transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The architecture maintains continuous communication channels through persistent connections and relay mechanisms. Once a session is established, the protocol conversion and media routing continue seamlessly without interruption, minimizing delays during ongoing communication and enabling real-time interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If TURN proxy and media processing functions are added to overcome NAT barriers, then communication reliability in restricted networks is improved, but device resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoiddevice resource usage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The TURN proxy acts as an intermediary that handles NAT traversal on the network side rather than requiring complex client-side implementations. This relieves mobile devices from heavy processing burdens while ensuring reliable connection establishment and maintenance through server-mediated relay mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The network infrastructure provides self-service capabilities through automated NAT detection, dynamic relay selection, and adaptive media routing. The system automatically adjusts communication paths based on network conditions without requiring intensive device resources for manual configuration or monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10462658B2User equipment having web real time communication architecture

Publication Date: 2019.10.29 AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL SALES PTE LTD

AI summary

A communication device configured to provide Web real-time communication (WebRTC) for internet protocol (IP) multimedia services utilizing one or more 3GPP protocols. The communication device can be configured to authenticate communication with one or more clients using one or more IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) credentials. The communication device can also be configured to convert communications between WebRTC and 3GPP protocols utilizing Traversal Using Relays around Network Address Translation (TURN) functionality implemented within the communication device.