Policy Enhancement Server for Interactive User Network Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communications network policies are not user-controlled, with operators determining access and bandwidth based on factors like time and location, lacking interaction with subscribers, and failing to meet the high-quality network needs of heavy users of online services.
Innovation Solution
A policy enhancement server receives indications from application service providers to enhance network policies for users, allowing for temporary or permanent boosts in bandwidth and quality of service, enabling users to access enhanced network attributes such as guaranteed download bitrate and quality of service classes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network operators determine policy rules based on time and location factors, then network resource allocation can be optimized for overall network performance, but users cannot control their own policy rules and heavy users of online services do not receive enhanced network access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (policy enhancement server or application service provider) that acts as a mediator between users and the PCRF. This intermediary receives user requests for policy enhancement, validates eligibility criteria, and communicates with the PCRF to implement user-controlled policy rules. This resolves the contradiction by enabling user control without requiring direct user access to complex network infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the policy control functionality by separating user-facing policy enhancement requests from the core PCRF policy decision-making. The policy enhancement attributes and rules are divided into distinct components: user eligibility criteria, enhancement attributes, and enforcement rules. This segmentation allows user control to be added without overwhelming the core policy system.
2Reliability
If application service providers are allowed to influence network policy for their users, then heavy users can receive high quality network access, but network operators lose some control over resource allocation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic policy enhancement where network access quality is adjusted in real-time based on user eligibility and service provider requests. The system dynamically modifies policy attributes (such as bandwidth allocation, QoS parameters) for specific users without permanently altering the overall network policy framework. This allows heavy users to receive reliable high-quality access while operators maintain flexibility to adjust or revoke enhancements as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality enhancement by providing improved network access quality specifically to eligible heavy users of application services, rather than uniformly across all users. The policy enhancement is localized to specific user sessions and service contexts, allowing operators to maintain overall network control while granting targeted quality improvements where needed.
3Ease of operation
If user-controlled policy enhancement is implemented, then user satisfaction and service experience improve, but additional system components and communication protocols are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal policy enhancement framework that can work with multiple application service providers and different types of network services. The policy enhancement server and associated components are designed to handle diverse service types (gaming, video streaming, etc.) through a common interface and standardized eligibility criteria. This multi-functionality improves ease of operation across different services while avoiding the need for separate complex systems for each application.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for providing interactive user controlled policy are disclosed herein. One method includes, at a policy enhancement server (PES), receiving, from an application service provider, an indication that a user is eligible for enhanced network policy in response to the user accessing an application service provided by an application service provider. In response to receiving the indication, at least one attribute of a network policy associated with the user is enhanced.