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Date:      Thu, 03 Jun 2010 17:15:29 -0400
From:      "Mikhail T." <mi+thun@aldan.algebra.com>
To:        bluetooth@FreeBSD.org
Subject:   NAT over bluetooth for mobile devices
Message-ID:  <4C081B71.30801@aldan.algebra.com>

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Hello!

I have the following idea, which should allow any mobile device with its 
own IP-networking -- such as a Blackberry or a (hacked) iPhone -- to 
offer connectivity to a compatible computer, regardless of the 
service-provider's wishes.

The device needs to run some equivalent of natd... This way, all network 
connections will appear to the outside world as originating from the 
device itself. The device will connect to the general purpose computer 
via Bluetooth (although wired connections may also be possible, 
Bluetooth seems most standardized).

The "natd", running on the device, will intercept and properly proxy the 
connections on behalf of the computer. The computer will, probably, use 
the specially-created tun-interface:

    tun <-> bluetooth <-> network address translation on the device <-> IP

Note, that this would be different from using the device as a "modem" -- 
doing so, typically, makes the device unusable for anything else for the 
duration of the call, and requires the service-provider's cooperation 
(and thus higher fees). My way, if you can browse the 'net with the 
device's browser, you'll also be able to do so from a laptop sitting 
next to the device...

If anyone wants to try it, I'd be willing to donate a Blackberry and/or 
some money to the cause. Please, respond off-line, if you are 
interested. Serious inquiries only. Continuation of the technical 
discussion should, certainly, stay on the mailing list (please, CC me as 
I'm not a subscriber).

    -mi




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