Dynamic OTT Policy Provisioning via ANIP Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for provisioning service definitions in communication networks are semi-static and lack dynamic capabilities, particularly for over-the-top (OTT) services, which hinders efficient management of OTT traffic and quality of service (QoS) prioritization.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Transport Layer Security (TLS) encrypted sideband protocol for dynamic provisioning of service definitions between operators and OTT services, utilizing an Application Network Interaction Protocol (ANIP) to enable dynamic rule updates and QoS management within a communication network, allowing for zero-rating and quality of service prioritization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If service definitions are provisioned locally in PGW/PCEF or TDF, then service identification can be performed, but the solution is semi-static and lacks dynamic capabilities for OTT services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an Application Network Interaction Protocol (ANIP) server as an intermediary component that mediates between OTT service providers and the network operator's policy management systems. This intermediary enables dynamic service definition provisioning by receiving service definitions from OTT providers, processing them through standardized protocols, and distributing them to relevant network elements (PGW, PCEF, TDF) in real-time, thereby achieving dynamic provisioning without overwhelming complexity in the core network elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic service definition provisioning that allows service definitions to be updated, modified, and deployed in real-time based on OTT service requirements. The system transitions from static local provisioning to a dynamic model where service definitions can be provisioned on-demand through the ANIP server, enabling the network to adapt to changing OTT service characteristics, zero-rating requirements, and QoS priorities without manual reconfiguration of network elements
2Measurement precision
If deep packet inspection is used to identify services, then service differentiation can be achieved, but it requires extensive service definitions that are difficult to manage dynamically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a selective service definition provisioning approach where only the necessary service definitions required for specific OTT services are provisioned to the DPI engine through the ANIP server, rather than maintaining comprehensive static definitions. This partial provisioning reduces the burden of managing extensive service definition databases while maintaining sufficient identification accuracy for the required OTT services, allowing operators to provision definitions on-demand based on actual service requirements
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for over-the-top, OTT, management in a communication network is presented. The method is performed in an application client. The method comprises sending (S100) a request for activation of a policy for an application network interaction protocol, ANIP, service to a packet data network gateway, PGW, wherein the request indicates an address to a local ANIP server; receiving (S110) a set of rules related to the requested activation of the policy from the PGW, wherein the set of rules are defined for a packet data network, PDN, session applicable for the ANIP service; and communicating (S120) over the communication network based on the received set of rules. Methods, application clients, PGWs, ANIP servers, computer programs and a computer program for OTT management in a communication network are also presented.