Flow Tagging Across Socket and Proxy Layers for App Usage Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for network capacity in wireless networks is outpacing the available capacity due to inefficient usage of bandwidth by general-purpose Internet devices, leading to network congestion, degraded performance, and reduced availability, particularly exacerbated by smart phone devices and applications that consume resources without regard for network busy states.
Innovation Solution
Implementing Device Assisted Services (DAS) for intelligent network monitoring and differential control of network service usage activities, including classifying and controlling applications and operating system functions to manage network access and resource demand, providing real-time user notifications, and dynamically adjusting Quality of Service (QoS) classifications to protect network capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If general-purpose Internet devices and smart phone applications are allowed unrestricted network access, then device functionality and user convenience are improved, but network capacity is depleted and network performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic QoS parameter adjustment based on network conditions. The system monitors network capacity metrics and dynamically modifies traffic parameters such as bandwidth allocation, priority levels, and access control settings. This allows the network to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining device functionality, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and network reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors network capacity, device usage patterns, and performance metrics. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts QoS policies, traffic routing, and resource allocation. This closed-loop control enables the network to maintain reliability while allowing device functionality, as the system responds to actual network conditions rather than using fixed rules.
2Reliability
If network capacity is increased to meet growing demand, then network availability is improved, but service provider costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where QoS parameters, bandwidth allocation, and network resources are adjusted in real-time based on actual demand and network conditions. Instead of provisioning for peak demand continuously, the system dynamically scales resources to match actual usage patterns. This reduces unnecessary resource provisioning and associated costs while maintaining network availability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes network parameters such as bandwidth allocation, priority levels, and access control settings based on network conditions and service requirements. This allows the network to optimize resource utilization, providing high availability when necessary while reducing resource consumption during lower-demand periods, thereby controlling service provider costs.
3Reliability
If QoS control is implemented to protect network capacity, then network performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network-side QoS control mechanism that acts as an intermediary between devices and the network core. The device includes a QoS client that communicates with a network QoS server, which handles the complex policy enforcement, traffic classification, and resource allocation. This intermediary approach maintains network performance while minimizing device complexity, as the heavy lifting is performed on the network side rather than requiring complex local implementation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A flow tagging technique includes tagging a data flow at a plurality of points in the data flow. For example, the data flow can be tagged at a socket and at a proxy manager API. By tagging the data flow at multiple points, it becomes possible to map network services usage activities to appropriate initiating applications.