Network Application Management Service for M2M Communication Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current network and application management systems, particularly in M2M systems, lack the capability to optimize end-to-end communications due to limited awareness of network conditions, leading to issues like connection interruptions and inefficiencies, especially in resource-constrained devices.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a Network and Application Management Service (NAMS) within the service layer that collects, consolidates, and processes information from applications and networks to optimize communications by exchanging information across applications, networks, and regions, using policies to manage network and application interactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If network and application management is performed using traditional separate management systems, then device complexity is reduced, but communication reliability deteriorates due to lack of end-to-end optimization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a Network and Application Management Service (NAMS) as an intermediary component within the service layer. This NAMS collects network status information from network nodes and application status information from applications, consolidates this information, and generates management decisions. By placing this intermediary management function in the service layer rather than embedding it directly in constrained devices, the system achieves reliable end-to-end communication optimization without increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent shifts the management function from the device level to the service layer dimension. Instead of managing communications directly at the constrained device level, the system creates a new dimensional layer (service layer) where centralized management occurs. This dimensional change allows comprehensive end-to-end management while keeping device-side complexity low, as devices simply report status and receive instructions from the service layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If constrained devices implement complex network management functions locally, then communication optimization improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts complex network management functions from constrained devices and relocates them to the service layer. The NAMS performs tasks such as collecting network status information, consolidating information from multiple sources, analyzing communication conditions, and generating management decisions. This extraction allows communication optimization to be achieved without requiring constrained devices to implement complex management capabilities locally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The service layer provides self-service management capabilities to constrained devices. Instead of devices needing to autonomously perform complex analysis and decision-making, the NAMS serves devices by providing them with simplified management instructions and status information. The service layer handles the complex management logic centrally, allowing devices to benefit from optimized communication without the complexity burden.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If applications are not aware of network conditions, then application simplicity is maintained, but communication reliability deteriorates due to connection interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidapplication complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the NAMS collects network status information from network nodes and application status information from applications, consolidates this information, and generates management decisions that are communicated back to applications. This feedback loop allows applications to be informed about network conditions and receive guidance for maintaining reliable communications without implementing complex awareness mechanisms themselves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The NAMS acts as an intermediary that bridges applications and network conditions. Rather than applications directly monitoring and responding to network status (which would increase complexity), the NAMS collects network information, processes it, and provides simplified status information and management instructions to applications. This intermediary approach maintains application simplicity while achieving reliable communication through informed decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3266188B1Network and application management using service layer capabilities
Publication Date: 2020.09.02 CONVIDA WIRELESS LLC
  • EP3266188B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3266188B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3266188B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Described herein is a Network and Application Management Service (NAMS), which is a new service for the service layer (SL). In accordance with an example embodiment, the NAMS collects, consolidates, and processes information from applications, underlying networks, and other services.