Network Path Selection Using Performance Statistics Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems lack efficient methods for determining optimal paths between network entities based on network performance statistics, leading to suboptimal resource allocation and service delivery.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for determining paths between network entities using network performance statistics, including discovery and reselection events, load metrics, and error information, to provide efficient path selection and routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If path selection is performed without network performance statistics, then device complexity is reduced, but network performance and resource allocation efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Service Communication Proxy (SCP) as an intermediary component that centralizes the path selection functionality. The SCP receives service requests, determines optimal paths using network performance statistics from multiple sources, and forwards requests along selected paths. This mediator approach improves network performance without requiring complex path selection logic in every network entity, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where network performance statistics are continuously collected from various network entities, analyzed by the SCP, and used to dynamically adjust path selections. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to changing network conditions, improving reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through automated decision-making based on statistical data.
2Reliability
If real-time network statistics are collected and analyzed, then path selection quality improves, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-collecting and storing network performance statistics from multiple sources before path selection is needed. The SCP maintains updated statistical data about network conditions, enabling rapid path determination when requests arrive. This preliminary data preparation reduces the time required for actual path selection while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by collecting and analyzing only the most relevant network statistics needed for path selection, rather than processing all possible network data. The SCP selectively uses statistics such as load metrics, error rates, and response times from key network entities, achieving sufficient path selection accuracy without excessive processing overhead.
3Reliability
If multiple network entities provide statistics, then path selection reliability improves, but system complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The Service Communication Proxy serves multiple functions: it acts as a request router, a statistics collector, a data analyzer, and a path determination engine. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional component, the system improves reliability through comprehensive data collection while managing complexity through functional integration rather than proliferation of separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the path selection functionality with the service communication proxy infrastructure that already exists in the network. Rather than creating separate dedicated path selection entities, the SCP integrates path determination capabilities into the existing communication framework, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable statistics collection from multiple sources.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an apparatus comprising means for receiving, at a network function from a requester of path selection information in a communications network, a request for path selection information between a first network entity and a second network entity in the communications network, determining a path between a first network entity and a second network entity and providing an indication to the requester of path selection information of the determined path.