DSCP Packet Filtering for Subscription-Based Digital Service Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users subscribing to digital video services are often required to also subscribe to high-speed data services due to legacy devices' inability to differentiate between digital video and high-speed data services, leading to unnecessary additional subscriptions.
Innovation Solution
A system that utilizes a class of service parameter, such as DSCP, to separate packets based on their source, allowing only subscribed digital services to be delivered to user devices by configuring network devices to filter and block non-subscribed services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If digital systems provide both digital video services and high-speed data services, then service versatility is improved, but users are required to subscribe to multiple services even when only one is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network traffic into different classes using DSCP parameters, separating digital video service packets from high-speed data service packets. This allows the system to provide both service types through the same digital infrastructure while enabling selective delivery based on subscription, thereby maintaining versatility without forcing unnecessary subscriptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by configuring specific network devices (e.g., cable modems, set-top boxes) with subscription-specific filters that selectively process packets based on DSCP values. This enables different quality of service delivery at different network nodes, allowing users to receive only their subscribed service type while the infrastructure supports multiple services.
2Adaptability or versatility
If legacy devices are replaced with digital-capable devices, then service capability is improved, but users may be forced to subscribe to additional services they do not need
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the service selection function from the user subscription process and implements it at the network device level through DSCP-based packet filtering. This removes the harmful effect of forcing users to subscribe to multiple services by enabling the network to automatically deliver only subscribed services while the digital infrastructure provides enhanced capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces DSCP parameter evaluation as an intermediary mechanism between the digital infrastructure and user devices. This mediator enables the system to translate the user's single-service subscription into selective packet delivery, preventing unnecessary service requirements while maintaining the versatility of digital-capable devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If network devices filter packets based on DSCP parameters, then service selectivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by configuring network devices with automated DSCP evaluation and packet filtering capabilities that operate without manual intervention. The devices automatically evaluate incoming packets' DSCP parameters against subscription criteria and selectively forward or block packets, achieving service selectivity through self-contained automated processes rather than complex manual configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
Network traffic, such as packets addressed to a user device and/or a location, may be filtered/segregated to ensure that the user device and/or the location receives services for which they are subscribed.