OTT Management via ANIP and PGW for Dynamic Service Provisioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current solutions for provisioning service definitions in communication networks are semi-static and lack dynamic capabilities, which hinders efficient management of over-the-top (OTT) traffic and quality of service (QoS) prioritization.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a Transport Layer Security (TLS) encrypted sideband protocol for dynamic information transfer between operators and OTT services, enabling dynamic provisioning of service definitions and supporting QoS prioritization through an Application Network Interaction Protocol (ANIP) based architecture, involving a Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW), ANIP server, and application client.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If service definitions are provisioned locally in PGW/TDF using traditional methods, then service identification can be performed, but the provisioning is semi-static and lacks dynamic capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic provisioning capabilityVSAvoidservice definition management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic service definition provisioning by establishing a communication interface between the PCRF and TDF that enables real-time updates of service definitions. The TDF can receive updated service definitions dynamically during network operation, transforming the static local provisioning model into a dynamic system that adapts to changing service requirements without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the PCRF as an intermediary component that mediates between the service provider and the TDF. The PCRF receives service definition information and forwards it to the TDF through a standardized interface, eliminating the need for direct complex provisioning mechanisms in the TDF and enabling dynamic updates through the mediating PCRF entity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If deep packet inspection is performed to identify services, then service classification is achieved, but the process lacks dynamic update capability for service definitions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice classification accuracyVSAvoidservice definition update time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous service definition updates by establishing a persistent communication interface between PCRF and TDF. Service definitions can be updated continuously during network operation without interrupting the deep packet inspection process, ensuring that the TDF always has current service definitions for accurate classification while maintaining continuous service monitoring and identification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent allows service definitions to be pre-provisioned in the PCRF before being transferred to the TDF. This preliminary provisioning in the PCRF enables the TDF to receive ready-to-use service definitions dynamically, reducing the time required for service definition updates while maintaining accurate service classification through pre-processed and validated definition data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If service definitions are provisioned from OTT using standardized solutions, then semi-static provisioning is supported, but dynamic provisioning is not available

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice definition provisioning easeVSAvoiddynamic update capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual or semi-automated service definition provisioning mechanisms with an automated electronic communication interface between PCRF and TDF. This substitution of the provisioning mechanism enables dynamic updates to be delivered electronically in real-time, transforming the ease of operation from manual provisioning to automated dynamic provisioning while maintaining full adaptability for service definition updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3970446B1Over-the-top management in a communication network

Publication Date: 2024.12.04

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AI summary

A method for over-the-top, OTT, management in a communication network is presented. The method is performed in a packet data network gateway, PGW. The method comprises receiving (S200) a request for an application network interaction protocol, ANIP, service from an application client, sending (S210) the received request to a global ANIP server, wherein the request is extended with a public land mobile network, PLMN, identity, receiving (S220) an address to a local ANIP server from the global ANIP server, and sending (S230) the received address to the local ANIP server to the application client. Methods, a PGW, an application client, an ANIP server, computer programs, and a computer program product for OTT management in a communication network are also presented.