Network Policy Update Triggering via Application Layer Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

In Next-Generation (NextGen) networks, existing methods fail to dynamically update network policies based on application layer information, leading to inappropriate policy generation and unreliable network communication.

Innovation Solution

A method for triggering network policy updates by acquiring and comparing network policy parameters with application layer information, specifically considering mobility restrictions and continuity modes for User Equipment (UE), allowing real-time updates when inconsistencies are detected.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If network policies are determined based on conventional methods without application layer information, then the network policy determination process is simple, but the network policy accuracy and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork policy accuracyVSAvoidpolicy management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network management entity proactively subscribes to application layer information from the application server before policy determination is needed. This preliminary acquisition of application layer information enables accurate network policy generation without adding complexity to the real-time policy determination process, as the information is already available when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an application server as an intermediary between the network management entity and the application layer. This intermediary collects, processes, and provides application layer information to the network management entity, thereby improving policy accuracy without directly complicating the core network policy management system. The application server acts as a buffer that translates complex application layer data into usable policy parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If network policies are updated dynamically based on application layer information, then the network communication reliability improves, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork communication reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system establishes a feedback mechanism where the network management entity continuously monitors application layer information from the application server and dynamically adjusts network policies based on this feedback. When application layer information changes (e.g., new application requirements, mobility patterns), the system automatically triggers policy updates, ensuring network communication reliability without requiring manual intervention or complex centralized control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the static network policy determination process into a dynamic one by enabling real-time updates based on application layer information. The network policy can adapt its parameters (such as mobility restrictions, QoS requirements) according to changing application conditions, thereby improving reliability while maintaining manageable system complexity through event-driven updates rather than continuous reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If application layer information is acquired from the application server, then the mobility information accuracy improves, but the information acquisition complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemobility information accuracyVSAvoidinformation acquisition difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The application server is designed to serve multiple functions: it not only provides application layer information for network policy determination but also collects, processes, and manages mobility information from multiple sources. By making the application server multi-functional, the system improves mobility information accuracy without adding separate dedicated information collection entities, thereby avoiding additional acquisition complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3496446B1Method for triggering network policy update and management function entity
Publication Date: 2021.03.17 CHINA ACAD OF TELECOMM TECH
  • EP3496446B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3496446B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3496446B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method for triggering network policy update, a management function entity and a core network device are provided. The method is configured to be applied to a policy management function entity, and includes: acquiring a network policy parameter, the network policy parameter being determined and acquired in accordance with application layer information of a UE; and triggering the network policy update in accordance with the network policy parameter.