ICN Application Function for 5G Traffic Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Next-generation communication networks like 3GPP 5G do not natively support Information-Centric Networking (ICN) protocols, leading to inefficiencies such as tromboning and double tunneling, which result in poor service delivery due to contradictory control decisions between ICN and 5G domains.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an ICN Application Function (ICN-AF) that controls ICN protocol-based traffic flow by determining the role of ICN nodes as publishers or requesters, reassigning Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions to optimize connectivity between publishers and requesters, thereby improving traffic routing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ICN protocol-based traffic is overlaid over 5G communication networks without native support, then ICN traffic can be transported, but traffic routing inefficiencies occur (tromboning, double tunneling)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network function (NF) as an intermediary between the 5G control plane and ICN traffic flow. This NF receives information from ICN nodes about their roles (publisher/requester) and uses this information to make intelligent routing decisions, thereby eliminating the need for inefficient overlay routing while maintaining ICN protocol compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where ICN nodes provide information about their content exchange roles to the network function. This feedback enables the network to dynamically adjust routing decisions based on actual traffic patterns and node roles, optimizing routing efficiency while adapting to changing network conditions.
2Ease of operation
If ICN nodes are treated uniformly in 5G networks, then network management is simplified, but traffic routing optimality deteriorates due to contradictory control decisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating network node treatment based on their specific roles in content exchange. Publishers and requesters receive different routing treatments optimized for their functions, with publishers being routed to efficiently serve multiple requesters while requesters are routed to optimal publishers, thereby improving service delivery without significantly complicating network management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the routing parameter from uniform treatment to role-based treatment. By introducing a new parameter (node role: publisher/requester) that influences routing decisions, the system achieves both differentiated optimization for different node types while maintaining a relatively simple network management structure through centralized control.
3Productivity
If PDU sessions are frequently reassigned to optimize ICN traffic flow, then traffic routing efficiency improves, but network control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having ICN nodes declare their roles (publisher/requester) in advance before content exchange begins. This advance information allows the network function to pre-optimize routing decisions, reducing the need for frequent dynamic PDU session reassignments and thereby lowering network control complexity while maintaining high routing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic routing optimization by allowing PDU session reassignment based on actual content exchange patterns. The system dynamically adjusts routing decisions as nodes transition between publisher and requester roles, optimizing traffic flow while using centralized control to manage complexity rather than distributing it across multiple nodes.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
In a communication network, a network function may be provided for controlling Information Centric Networking (ICN) protocol-based traffic flow between a set of user equipment (UE). This network function may be an ICN application function (ICN-AF), and may obtain information indicative of whether, and optionally to which degree, a respective ICN node is publisher of content in the exchange of content between the ICN nodes. The ICN-AF may, for example via a session management function (SMF), initiate a reassignment of a PDU session of an ICN node which is presumed to be a requester of content to a data network access point which has connectivity to, or is the same as, a data network access point assigned to an ICN node which is characterized as publisher of content.