Application Marketplace for Network Function Customization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Network subscribers lack access to and control over network functions and services that govern their device's interaction with the network, limiting their ability to customize or optimize this interaction.

Innovation Solution

An application marketplace system that allows subscribers to customize their device's interaction with the network by generating and applying applications that modify network functions and services, including recommending network features, identifying errors, and managing application distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If network functions are centralized and controlled by network operators, then network stability and security are improved, but subscriber control and customization capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork stabilityVSAvoidsubscriber control capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments network functions into modular network function modules that can be independently selected and configured. Subscribers can choose specific network function modules (e.g., network slicing, QoS management, security functions) to enable or disable, allowing customization while maintaining overall network stability through centralized management of the module framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts network function configuration based on subscriber needs and network conditions. Subscribers can modify their network function selections in real-time, and the network dynamically provisions and configures the selected modules, enabling adaptability without compromising network reliability through automated validation and provisioning processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If network functions are highly customized for individual subscribers, then subscriber-specific performance is improved, but network complexity and management difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoidnetwork management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing network functions into discrete, standardized modules with well-defined interfaces, the system simplifies management complexity. Each module can be independently configured, deployed, and managed, reducing the overall complexity compared to custom-built end-to-end solutions while still enabling extensive customization through module composition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal framework where a finite set of network function modules can serve multiple subscribers with different requirements. The same module library supports diverse customization needs through different combination and configuration of modules, reducing management complexity by reusing standardized components across multiple subscriber scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If subscribers have direct access to network functions, then application development flexibility is improved, but network security and stability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication development flexibilityVSAvoidnetwork stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an intermediary application marketplace platform that sits between subscribers and network functions. Subscribers develop and deploy applications through the marketplace, which automatically translates application requirements into appropriate network function module selections and configurations. This intermediary layer enables flexible application development while maintaining network stability through automated validation, provisioning, and isolation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The marketplace enables self-service application deployment where subscribers can independently select, configure, and deploy applications with appropriate network function allocations. The system automatically handles the complex interactions between applications and network functions, providing flexibility to subscribers while maintaining network stability through automated resource management and isolation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12267912B2Systems and methods for providing applications with access to network functionality

Publication Date: 2025.04.01 BOOST SUBSCRIBERCO LLC

AI summary

An application marketplace system is able to provide applications to a device which cause the device's interaction with a network to change. The application marketplace system identifies a plurality of aspects of a network, each of which provide a type of network functionality for a device connected to the network. The application marketplace system receives user input indicating one or more aspects of the plurality of aspects of the network and user input indicating a device connected to the network. The application marketplace system generates an application for the device based on the user input and causes the application to be provided to the device. The generated application is able to change the device's interaction with the network.