Gateway Interface for Opaque Object Delivery in Communication Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Content providers lack the necessary network information to effectively deliver opaque objects within communication networks, as proprietary network details are not disclosed, hindering the ability to provide supplemental information for optimal delivery.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that couple a content provider system to a gateway interface, providing network information and receiving a delivery manifest with service requirements, allowing for the delivery of opaque objects with defined attributes based on network information, facilitating service grade establishment for communication network components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the network operator discloses detailed network configuration information to the content provider, then the content provider can optimize delivery of opaque objects, but the network operator loses protection of proprietary network architecture details
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway interface as an intermediary between the content provider system and the communication network. This gateway receives delivery manifests from the content provider, translates them into network-specific instructions, and coordinates with network nodes without exposing the content provider to detailed network architecture. The gateway acts as a mediator that enables reliable delivery while protecting proprietary network information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the delivery system into distinct functional components: the content provider system that creates delivery manifests, the gateway interface that translates and coordinates, and the network nodes that execute delivery. This segmentation allows each component to operate independently with well-defined interfaces, enabling the content provider to specify delivery requirements without needing to know network implementation details.
2Productivity
If the content provider is provided with network information, then delivery optimization is enabled, but the interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complexity of network configuration details from the content provider's responsibility and places it in the gateway interface. The content provider only needs to interact with a simplified manifest format that specifies delivery requirements at a high level. The gateway handles the complex translation and coordination with network nodes, thereby improving delivery efficiency without increasing interface complexity for the content provider.
3Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary network details are disclosed to content providers, then service customization improves, but network security and confidentiality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway interface serves as a secure intermediary that enables service customization without compromising network confidentiality. It receives high-level delivery requirements from content providers and translates them into network-specific operations. This allows the network to offer customized delivery services while keeping the content provider isolated from sensitive network architecture details, thereby maintaining security and confidentiality.
4Ease of operation
If the content provider system directly accesses network nodes, then delivery control is improved, but system complexity and vulnerability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway interface acts as an intermediary that simplifies delivery control for the content provider while reducing system complexity and vulnerability. The content provider submits delivery manifests to the gateway with desired delivery parameters, and the gateway handles the complex coordination with network nodes. This indirect control mechanism is easier to operate than direct node access while reducing the complexity and security vulnerabilities of direct system integration.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for delivery of opaque objects provided by a content provider to network nodes within a communication network are described. Opaque objects may comprise data objects whose data structure is not natively defined in the network interface and thus have a data type and/or structure that would be unknown to systems of the network. Communication systems may be configured according to embodiments to facilitate delivery of such opaque objects, such as by providing a robust network interface between a content provider system and the network through which network information is provided from the network to the content provider system and/or delivery manifest information for opaque objects is provided from the content provider system to the network.