Application-Aware Data Charging via Layered Packet Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication network charging systems are inefficient in differentiating network traffic based on applications, as they rely solely on volume at the network layer, requiring sensitive information transmission and storage, which increases resource burden and security risks.
Innovation Solution
A method that logs packet information including TCP4-tuples and packet length, and transfers it from the network layer to host layers (transport, session, or application layers) for correlation with application-level payloads, enabling charging based on the services used without exposing sensitive information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If offline correlation of services and network traffic is performed to enable application-based charging, then charging accuracy is improved, but network security deteriorates due to transmission and storage of sensitive information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary packet information (TCP 4-tuples, packet length, sequence numbers) from the network traffic, leaving sensitive application payload data in the host layer. This extracted information is sufficient for charging purposes but does not expose sensitive user information, thus resolving the contradiction between charging accuracy and network security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the network layer passes anonymized packet metadata to the host layer for correlation, rather than directly transmitting sensitive payload information. This intermediary process enables accurate service identification while maintaining security by not exposing sensitive data.
2Measurement precision
If offline correlation of services and network traffic is performed, then application-based charging is achieved, but network resource burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only essential packet metadata (TCP 4-tuples, length, sequence) rather than transmitting complete packet data for correlation. This extraction approach enables application-based charging while minimizing network resource consumption by transmitting only the minimum necessary information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs partial correlation by using only the necessary packet information subset required for service identification, rather than analyzing complete packet contents. This partial action achieves charging accuracy without the excessive resource consumption of full packet inspection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If packet information is transmitted from network layer to host layer, then service identification capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the charging system into distinct functional layers: the network layer handles packet information extraction and transmission, while the host layer performs service identification and charging decisions. This segmentation improves service identification capability by enabling host layer access to packet data without creating excessive complexity, as each layer maintains its own simplified responsibilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a method in a node of a communications network, the method comprising logging packet information for network traffic related to a client. The method further comprises sending the logged packet information for network traffic related to the client from a network layer to an host layer within the node. The method further comprises identifying application level payloads for network traffic related to the client at the host layer within the node. The method further still comprises correlating the packet information with the application level payloads for network traffic related to the client.