Policy Charging Control in Information Centric Networking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G network architectures face inefficiencies in bandwidth utilization and content sharing due to the end-to-end session-based communication model, which can lead to bottlenecks and non-optimal link resource utilization, especially when multiple users request the same content without network awareness.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Information Centric Networking (ICN) with a pull-based model, using interest packets and data packets, along with new Policy and Charging Control (PCC) mechanisms involving ICN Point of Attachment (ICN-PoA), ICN Gateway (ICN-GW), and ICN Control Function (ICN-CF) entities to manage and optimize ICN traffic and charging records.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If end-to-end session-based communication model is used, then network connectivity and service delivery are established, but bandwidth utilization is inefficient and link resources are not optimally utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication model from end-to-end session-based to content-based routing. Interest packets and data packets are separated entities that operate independently of traditional session management, allowing multiple users to share content without establishing individual sessions. This segmentation enables efficient bandwidth utilization while reducing session management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ICN-PoA (Information Centric Networking Point of Attachment) as an intermediary entity that mediates between users and content. The ICN-PoA handles interest packet routing, data packet delivery, and caching operations, eliminating the need for complex end-to-end session management while optimizing bandwidth utilization through intelligent content distribution.
2Productivity
If multiple users request the same content without network awareness, then user autonomy is maintained, but network resources are not optimized and bottlenecks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements caching mechanisms at ICN-PoA and along the content delivery path before actual user requests are fulfilled. When content is cached in advance, subsequent user requests can be served from the cache without repeating the full content retrieval process, optimizing link resource utilization and preventing bottlenecks while maintaining user autonomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes feedback loops where the network becomes aware of content requests and delivery status. The ICN-PoA tracks interest packets, monitors data packet delivery, and adjusts content distribution strategies based on observed patterns. This feedback mechanism enables the network to optimize resource utilization by identifying and caching frequently requested content, reducing content duplication while maintaining user autonomy.
3Productivity
If session-based communication is used, then service delivery is established, but bottlenecks occur and network performance is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional communication paradigm by shifting from host-to-host session-based communication to content-to-user interest-based communication. Instead of users establishing sessions with servers to request content, users publish interest packets that are routed to content sources, and content is pushed back to users. This inversion eliminates session management overhead and bottlenecks while dramatically improving content sharing efficiency and overall network performance.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of providing policy and charging control in an information-centric network are described. An interest packet is transmitted from a content consumer to a holder through a gNB, ICN-PoA and ICN-GW. The interest packet has a prefix identifying content to be retrieved and a type field indicating an interest packet. The ICN-PoA modifies the interest packet to include a type of service (TS) field having the identity of the consumer and then transmitted to the ICN-GW when the content is neither created nor cached inside the 5G network. A data packet that includes the prefix, a type field indicating a data packet and the TS field is returned from the ICN-GW. The data packet is modified by the ICN-PoA to remove the TS field and transmitted to the consumer. The interest and data packets are logged and reported to an ICN-CF for generation of charging records.