Application QoS Negotiation Across Standard and Non-Standard Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G network standards lack a standardized mechanism for applications outside the core network to define or modify network connectivity requirements, leading to sub-optimal connections and poor quality of service due to lack of QoS determination and resource allocation negotiation capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An Application Definition Function (ADF) is introduced to generate configuration information for network elements, allowing applications to interact directly with management and control plane entities to negotiate and adjust network resource allocations based on specific QoS requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If applications outside the core network are allowed to define network connectivity requirements, then quality of service and resource allocation are improved, but network complexity and standardization requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Network Application Function (NAF) as an intermediary entity that mediates between applications outside the core network and the network's management plane. The NAF receives application requests, translates them into standardized network configuration instructions, and forwards them to appropriate network elements. This intermediary approach allows applications to influence network resource allocation and QoS without requiring direct access to complex network internals, thus improving service quality while containing network complexity through standardized interfaces.
2Productivity
If applications can negotiate resource allocations with network entities, then connection optimization is improved, but interface standardization and interoperability become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal NAF entity that provides multi-functional capabilities for different types of applications and network scenarios. The NAF implements standardized interfaces that can handle diverse application requests (video streaming, voice calls, data transfer, etc.) through a common architecture. This universal approach allows connection optimization across multiple application types while maintaining interface standardization, as the same NAF framework handles all negotiation scenarios through standardized protocols and procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If applications outside the core network access management plane entities directly, then service customization is improved, but security and trust management become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The NAF acts as a trusted intermediary between applications outside the core network and management plane entities. Applications communicate their service requirements to the NAF, which authenticates and authorizes these requests before translating them into network configuration instructions. The NAF maintains security by verifying application credentials, enforcing policy rules, and controlling access to network resources. This intermediary model enables service customization through standardized interfaces while maintaining security and trust through centralized authentication and authorization mechanisms within the trusted network boundary.
Data Source
AI summary
In a network with varying levels of Quality of Service, where a UE connects to an application through a network or network slice whose service characteristics are not well defined to the user or the application provider, poor levels of service may be experienced. This may be attributed to the application being poorly designed, where in fact it is related to the UE and application connecting through a network that is not properly configured for the intended usage. To mitigate these issues, applications and UEs can be provided access, directly or indirectly, to a network configuration environment to allow for a standardized QoS request to be issued to the network entities between the UE and application execution environment.