Dynamic Content Filtering in Communication Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current policy control architectures in communication networks, such as the 3GPP PCC architecture, do not support differentiation between different types of content delivered by the same service, limiting the ability to enforce granular data traffic policies based on content type.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a policy controller to dynamically select between different sets of content filtering rules based on the location of a user equipment and/or time schedule, allowing for content-level differentiation by indicating the selected rules to nodes in the network for enforcing content filtering of data traffic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If content filtering is implemented based on service type or network identifier, then basic traffic differentiation is achieved, but granular content-level differentiation is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments content filtering into multiple hierarchical levels: service type level, network identifier level, and content type level. Each level has its own filtering rules and policies, allowing granular content differentiation without overwhelming system complexity. The policy controller divides filtering tasks across these segments, applying appropriate granularity at each level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to content filtering by introducing content type classification (e.g., adult, violent, educational, entertainment) as a separate filtering criterion beyond service type and network identifier. This dimensional expansion enables granular content-level differentiation while maintaining the existing service and network filtering layers, creating a multi-dimensional filtering framework.
2Adaptability or versatility
If static content filtering rules are applied, then implementation is simple, but dynamic adaptation to user location and time is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static content filtering rules into dynamic policies that automatically adapt to user location and time. The policy controller continuously monitors user context (geographic location, time of day) and selects appropriate filtering rule sets accordingly. For example, different filtering profiles are applied during school hours versus evening hours, or when users are at home versus at school, enabling dynamic adaptation without complex manual reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service functionality where the policy controller automatically selects and applies appropriate content filtering rules based on user context without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously adapts filtering policies by evaluating user location and time, selecting pre-configured rule sets, and applying them transparently, thereby maintaining operational simplicity while achieving dynamic adaptation.
3Measurement precision
If uniform content filtering is applied to all users, then policy management is simplified, but individualized content differentiation based on subscriber profile is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by customizing content filtering policies for individual users or user groups based on their subscriber profiles. Different users receive different filtering rule sets tailored to their specific needs, age groups, or parental settings. For example, minor users may receive stricter filtering on certain content types while adult users receive more permissive policies, achieving user-specific differentiation without requiring completely separate filtering systems for each user.
Data Source
AI summary
For differentiating data traffic in a communication network, a policy controller may interact with at least one node of the communication network. The policy controller may determine an identifier of a subscriber associated with a user equipment connected to the communication network. The policy controller may perform, on the basis of a location of the user equipment and/or on the basis of a time schedule, a selection between at least a first set of one or more content filtering rules and a second set of content filtering rules related to the identifier of the subscriber. The policy controller may indicate a result of the selection to the at least one node. The node may perform content filtering of data traffic of the user equipment. For this purpose, the at least one node may utilize the selected set of one or more content filtering rules as indicated by the policy controller.