Network Exposure Function for Dynamic QoS and Cost Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Exposure network elements in wireless communication networks are not optimized to dynamically deliver user-selected Quality-of-Service (QoS) levels at user-selected costs, limiting the flexibility and efficiency of data transmission.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a Network Exposure Function (NEF) that exchanges QoS and cost data with a third-party data system, allowing user selection and directing network elements to transfer data using the selected QoS level, while also managing charging and policy functions through Charging Function (CHF) and Policy Control Function (PCF), respectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If exposure network elements transfer QoS and cost data to third-party data systems, then user selection flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser selection flexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The Network Exposure Function (NEF) acts as an intermediary between the third-party data system and the charging/policy network elements. It receives QoS and cost data from the third-party system, processes this information, and then communicates with the Charging Function (CHF) and Policy Control Function (PCF). This intermediary approach enables user selection flexibility while containing system complexity within a dedicated functional module rather than distributing it across multiple network elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If network elements transfer data using selected QoS levels, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but network resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoidnetwork resource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts QoS parameters based on user selections and real-time network conditions. The NEF receives QoS level indications from third-party data systems and dynamically configures network elements (such as UPFs and gateways) to apply appropriate traffic handling policies. This dynamic adaptation allows the network to optimize transmission efficiency for each user's specific needs while automatically managing resource consumption through conditional policy application rather than static resource allocation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11792628B2Uplink data burst in a wireless communication network

Publication Date: 2023.10.17 T MOBILE INNOVATIONS LLC

AI summary

A wireless communication system delivers a data service to a wireless User Equipment (UE). A network controller exchanges UE signaling with the wireless UE and transfers UE information to a Network Exposure Function (NEF). The NEF transfers network information that indicates Quality-of-Service (QoS) levels and cost levels for the UE to a user data system. The NEF receives user selections from the user data system that indicate a selected QoS level and a selected cost level. The NEF indicates the selected QoS level to the network controller. The NEF indicates the selected cost level to a Charging Function (CHF). The network controller directs network elements to transfer UE data for the UE using the selected QoS level. The network elements transfer the user data for the UE using the selected QoS level. The CHF generates charging data for the UE based on the selected cost level.