Cloud Interface Monitoring via On-Demand Smart Probing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mobility telecommunication networks require additional infrastructure and lack standardization for on-demand monitoring, making it difficult to efficiently capture and monitor relevant data without overwhelming network resources.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a Smart Probe system that uses standardized protocols to request and receive specific data subsets from network functions, allowing on-demand monitoring with reduced infrastructure needs and user control over data probing, while overcoming encryption challenges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional monitoring methods (in-line taps, mirroring ports, streaming packets) are used to capture 100% of traffic, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and infrastructure requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraffic capture completenessVSAvoidmonitoring infrastructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the necessary monitoring functionality from the core network functions by introducing a separate Monitoring Network Function (MON-FN) that can be independently instantiated. This allows selective monitoring of specific traffic flows without requiring complex in-line taps or port mirroring infrastructure throughout the entire network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a Monitoring Data Forwarding Function (MON-DFN) as an intermediary component that receives monitoring data from multiple Network Functions and forwards it to the MON-FN. This mediator approach simplifies the overall architecture by centralizing monitoring data collection and eliminating the need for complex distributed monitoring infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If conventional on-demand monitoring infrastructure is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and operational efficiency worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata monitoring accuracyVSAvoidmonitoring setup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the MON-FN and MON-DFN components with standardized interfaces and protocols before actual monitoring is needed. The system can immediately begin on-demand monitoring once triggered, eliminating lengthy setup procedures. The MON-FN can be pre-positioned in the network architecture ready to receive monitoring data from various Network Functions instantaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If custom infrastructure and software design are used for on-demand monitoring, then adaptability to specific carrier use cases is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarrier use case adaptabilityVSAvoidmonitoring system implementation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates universality by designing the MON-FN and MON-DFN with standardized, carrier-agnostic interfaces that can work across different network configurations and carrier use cases. The Monitoring Network Function can be instantiated and configured to monitor various Network Functions (AMF, SMF, UPF, etc.) using uniform protocols, eliminating the need for custom-built monitoring solutions for each carrier scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Measurement precision

If network functions transmit all data to monitoring systems, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of energy and network resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata monitoring completenessVSAvoidnetwork resource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing network traffic monitoring into selective segments rather than capturing all traffic. The MON-DFN receives data from specific Network Functions based on monitoring policies, and the MON-FN processes only the relevant segments of data requested by monitoring systems, rather than forwarding all network traffic. This segmented approach reduces energy consumption while maintaining measurement precision for targeted monitoring objectives.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12580830B2Systems and methods for on-demand cloud interfaces monitoring

Publication Date: 2026.03.17 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a device comprising: a processing system; and a memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance of operations, the operations comprising: receiving first user input indicative of a first set of data that will be requested from a first network function; receiving second user input indicative of a second set of data that will be requested from a second network function; responsive to the receiving of the first user input, sending a first request message via a standardized protocol to the first network function; responsive to the receiving of the second user input, sending a second request message via the standardized protocol to the second network function; receiving from the first network function the first set of data; and receiving from the second network function the second set of data. Other embodiments are disclosed.