Application-Aligned NaaS Control for Dynamic Session Quality

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network service paradigms, such as network slicing, fail to meet the dynamic and intricate needs of applications like holographic collaboration, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to rigid service delivery models and lack of real-time control over network resources.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of Application-Aligned Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) APIs (AA-NAPIs) allows applications to control network resources through intelligent application controllers (IACs) that map application object references to network objects, enabling dynamic and cost-effective management of network functions and connectivity based on application-specific requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If network slicing is used for application-network interaction, then network service delivery is standardized, but it cannot meet the dynamic and intricate needs of applications like holographic collaboration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to application needsVSAvoidservice delivery model complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network service model into distinct layers: application layer, NaaS layer, and network layer. The NaaS layer acts as an intermediary that segments complex network operations into manageable service units that applications can consume without understanding underlying complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The NaaS layer serves as an intermediary between applications and the network infrastructure. It provides translation and mediation capabilities, allowing applications to interact with the network through simplified interfaces while the NaaS layer handles the complexity of network resource management and orchestration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If applications are given direct control over network resources, then optimal network utilization is achieved, but applications are exposed to network complexities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork resource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidnetwork control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The NaaS layer acts as an intermediary that shields applications from network complexity while enabling efficient resource utilization. It provides abstraction mechanisms that allow applications to request network resources based on their needs without exposing the intricate details of network management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables applications to self-manage their network resources through automated orchestration. The NaaS layer provides self-service capabilities where applications can dynamically allocate and manage network resources based on their requirements without manual intervention or deep knowledge of network operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If premium network services are always activated, then Quality-of-Experience is maximized, but operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveQuality-of-ExperienceVSAvoidoperational cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic service level adjustment where the network service quality is adapted in real-time based on application needs and conditions. The system can transition between different service levels (premium, standard, basic) dynamically, activating premium services only when necessary and switching to lower-cost services when full performance is not required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes network service parameters dynamically based on application requirements and operational conditions. It adjusts service quality parameters, resource allocation parameters, and cost parameters in response to changing demands, allowing optimal balance between Quality-of-Experience and operational cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4287575B1A method, an apparatus and a computer program product for network-as-a-service model
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY
  • EP4287575B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4287575B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4287575B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An application specific interface (AA-NAPI) associated with an application for the purpose of controlling the networking aspects of the application session is provided by communication service provider (CSP). Cost model of network service types associated with a specific application type is learned by using the AA-NAPI. For each service-point joining the session, network properties are queried by using the AA-NAPI. During continuous service quality monitoring, upon detection of quality degradation leading to the decision to upgrade session quality, network service-type associated with a specific server-point is changed by using the AA-NAPI. Network specific actions are taken to reconfigure the network so that the requested service type is received by the specific service-point. New network capability is activated to improve network service level by using the AA-NAPI. Network specific actions are taken by the network to install new network capabilities so that the specific service-point's service quality is improved as requested.