M2M Service Layer Traffic Steering via Metadata
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current approaches to traffic steering in M2M systems lack capabilities, particularly with respect to traversing value added services in an operator's network.
Innovation Solution
The M2M service layer can leverage value added services deployed in the telecom operator's network by adding metadata to downlink traffic for steering and processing, using a control plane interface to push policies into the VAS network, and allowing functions in the VAS network to extract information from the M2M service layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If M2M service layer adds metadata to downlink traffic for steering, then traffic steering capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces metadata as an intermediary element that carries steering information between the M2M service layer and the network. This metadata acts as a mediator that enables traffic steering without requiring complex modifications to the core network architecture, thus improving steering capability while limiting the increase in device complexity to mainly the service layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the traffic steering function by separating the decision-making logic (in the M2M service layer) from the execution logic (in the network). The metadata carries only essential steering information, while the actual traffic steering is performed by network elements like firewalls and load balancers, distributing complexity across multiple components rather than concentrating it in a single device.
2Productivity
If M2M service layer uses control plane interface to push policies, then traffic processing efficiency is improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pushing policies and steering information to the network before actual traffic flow occurs. The M2M service layer pre-configures firewalls, load balancers, and other network elements with the necessary rules, so that when traffic arrives, it can be processed efficiently without real-time complex decisions, thus improving processing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the M2M service layer receives status information from network elements and adjusts policies accordingly. This feedback loop enables the system to optimize traffic processing dynamically while maintaining a relatively simple control plane interface, as the feedback information is used for policy adjustment rather than complex real-time control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If VAS network extracts information from M2M service layer, then service functionality is improved, but information security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by extracting only the specific information needed for particular services from the M2M service layer, rather than transferring all data. Each VAS extracts only the minimal necessary information (e.g., user location for location-based services, device type for device-specific services), thereby improving service functionality while minimizing the exposure of sensitive information and reducing security risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses metadata as an intermediary that carries information between the M2M service layer and VAS network functions. This metadata acts as a controlled interface that allows information extraction while maintaining security boundaries, as the metadata format and extraction mechanisms are standardized and controlled, preventing unauthorized or excessive data access.
Data Source
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AI summary
It is recognized herein that current approaches to traffic steering in M2M systems lack capabilities, particularly with respect to traversing value added services in an operator's network. As described herein, nodes or apparatuses at a machine-to-machine (M2M) service layer can leverage value added services that are deployed in an operator's network. The M2M service layer may add metadata to downlink traffic so that the metadata can be used to assist with steering and processing data in the operator's value added services (VASs) network. By of example, the M2M service layer can use a control plane interface to push polices into a network operator's VASs network, and to allow functions in the VASs network to extract information from the M2M service layer.