Methods and devices for network censorship circumvention

US11968254B1Google PatentsPDF
Methods and devices for network censorship circumvention utilizing peer-to-peer networks to enable users in censored networks to access restricted content through volunteer peer devices in uncensored networks.

Abstract

Methods and devices for network censorship circumvention. The invention provides systems and methods for enabling users in censored networks to access restricted content through volunteer peer devices in uncensored networks, utilizing peer-to-peer technology to circumvent network censorship.

Patent Information

Patent Number

US11968254B1

Filing Date

2023-10-09

Publication Date

2024-04-23

Authority

USPTO

Priority Date

2022-10-07

Application Number

US18/378,092

Original Assignee

Snowstorm Inc. (now Snowstorm Networks LLC)

Inventors

Serene HAN

Inventor

Mykhailo MARYNENKO

Inventor

Keywords

peer devicecensored networkvolunteer peernetwork censorship circumventionpeer-to-peer networks

Classifications

International Patent Classification (IPC)

H04L67/104

Peer-to-peer P2P networks

H04L61/2503

Translation of Internet protocol IP addresses

H04L61/2514

Translation between local and global IP addresses

H04L61/2517

Translation of Internet protocol IP addresses using port numbers

H04L61/256

NAT traversal

H04L61/2575

NAT traversal using address mapping retrieval (STUN)

H04L61/2589

NAT traversal over a relay server (TURN)

Summary

This patent describes methods and devices for circumventing network censorship through a peer-to-peer architecture. The technology enables users in censored networks to access restricted content by connecting through volunteer peer devices located in uncensored networks.

Key features include:

  • Peer-to-peer network architecture for bypassing censorship
  • Volunteer peers that act as proxies for users in censored networks
  • NAT traversal techniques including STUN and TURN protocols
  • IP address translation between local and global addresses
  • Port mapping mechanisms for secure communication

The system allows users to maintain access to the open internet despite censorship measures by routing traffic through volunteer peers in unrestricted networks. The technology overcomes common censorship techniques including DNS poisoning, IP blocking, and deep packet inspection.

Landscape Areas

Network SecurityInternet FreedomPrivacy & AnonymityPeer-to-Peer NetworksNetwork ProtocolsProxy SystemsCybersecurityAnti-Censorship Technology