Access Node Application Hosting via Packet Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cellular mobile communication systems face difficulties in hosting various applications and providing differentiated Quality of Service (QoS), as well as adapting to technological changes and efficiently utilizing access network resources for application services.
Innovation Solution
An access node in the cellular mobile communication network hosts applications, including a Filter and Forwarding Unit that identifies and processes application packets, allowing for direct service provision to mobile terminals without relying solely on the Internet or external networks, and includes a network information handler to manage access network information dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a general access node serves as a simple bit-pipe delivering requests to Application Servers, then the network structure remains simple, but the ability to host various applications and provide application differentiation is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The access node is segmented into functional units: a filter unit that identifies application packets based on destination IP addresses, and a forwarding unit that directs packets to appropriate destinations. This segmentation enables application hosting capability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure by dividing complex functions into manageable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The access node is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a simple bit-pipe for basic traffic delivery, hosts applications locally, provides application differentiation through filtering, and enables QoS management. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the access node versatile without requiring entirely new infrastructure.
2Reliability
If applications are hosted at the access node, then application differentiation and QoS control are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system manages QoS by changing parameters such as priority levels and resource allocation based on application type. The filter unit identifies applications and the forwarding unit applies appropriate QoS parameters, enabling reliable QoS guarantee through parameter management rather than complex structural changes.
3Productivity
If the access node forwards all requests to the Internet, then the network remains simple, but backhaul usage increases and resource utilization is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and processes application packets locally at the access node before forwarding to the Internet. By identifying application packets through filtering and handling them at the edge, the system reduces unnecessary backhaul traffic and improves resource utilization by processing data closer to the source.
Solution Approach 2:
The access node acts as an intermediary between local applications and the Internet. It filters, identifies, and forwards packets appropriately, mediating traffic to reduce backhaul usage and improve overall resource utilization by preventing unnecessary data transmission through the core network.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the access node hosts applications, then service differentiation is enabled, but the ease of adding new services decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic filtering and forwarding rules that can be updated to support new services. Rather than requiring hardware changes, the access node can dynamically adjust its packet identification and forwarding behavior through software configuration, making it easier to add new services while maintaining service differentiation capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are a method and device for hosting an application by an access node. The method according to the present invention includes: receiving a request packet for a service request from a user application of a mobile terminal; transmitting the request packet to the application of the access node when the destination of the request packet corresponds to an application that the access node has; providing a service to the user application of the mobile terminal by means of the application; and transmitting the request packet to a corresponding public application over the internet when there is no application corresponding to the destination of the request packet in the access node.