Policy Control Node Optimizing Media Service Resource Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication network architectures lack a mechanism to deliver custom-tailored video content to terminals with varying bandwidth requirements, leading to inefficient resource allocation and potential degradation of user experience.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that involve obtaining identification information for users and their terminals, determining device parameters, and selecting policies based on these parameters to optimize bandwidth allocation for media services, allowing for tailored delivery of media content according to device type and subscriber packages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single policy is applied to all users regardless of device type, then network management is simplified, but resource allocation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating policy treatment based on device characteristics. The system determines device type (e.g., smartphone, tablet, laptop, TV) and applies specific policies tailored to each device category, allowing optimized resource allocation for media services while maintaining manageable complexity through systematic classification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by using device type as a key parameter to select different policies. The PCRF determines device parameters and changes policy parameters accordingly, enabling dynamic adaptation of bandwidth allocation and QoS settings based on the specific device receiving media content
2Productivity
If bandwidth is allocated without considering device parameters, then resource distribution is uniform and simple, but user experience quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures reliable user experience by applying local quality principles - different QoS parameters and bandwidth allocations are applied based on the specific device type. For example, HD content is allocated to capable devices like smart TVs and laptops, while standard definition is allocated to mobile devices with smaller screens, ensuring optimal playback quality for each device category
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the PCRF receives information about device characteristics and media service requirements, processes this information to determine appropriate device parameters, and adjusts policy enforcement accordingly. This closed-loop approach ensures that bandwidth allocation and QoS settings continuously adapt to match actual device capabilities and user needs
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple video streams are supported simultaneously for different devices, then service versatility is improved, but network resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables versatile multi-device support by changing policy parameters based on device type and service requirements. The system can simultaneously enforce different policies for different devices - allowing HD streaming to laptops and TVs while using lower bandwidth for mobile devices - thus supporting multiple video streams with optimized resource consumption for each device category
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and a node for controlling resources for a media service in a policy and charging system of a communication network carried out by a network node including a policy and charging rules function obtaining information from another node so as to optimize network resources. The method of controlling resources comprise the steps of obtaining, at a network node, identification information for identifying at least one of a user and a user terminal; determining at least one device parameter using said identification information, which parameter is associated with a device selected to receive media data of said media service; and selecting according to said at least one device parameter a policy which is to be applied for said media service.