Dynamic Policy Server Identification via Reverse DNS Lookup
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Solution Overview
Problem
As networks become larger and more complex, especially with increasing mobility of users, existing methods for providing differentiated services and ensuring correct charging face scalability issues due to a statically tied policy server approach, which is not adaptable to dynamic changes in user sessions and network access.
Innovation Solution
A method for dynamically identifying a policy server by extracting a session identifier from a session request, using reverse DNS lookups to map an IP address to a policy server address, enabling dynamic discovery and implementation of policies across different access gateways and administrative domains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a statically tied policy server approach is used, then policy implementation is simple and reliable, but scalability and adaptability to dynamic network changes deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic policy server identification by extracting session identifiers from session requests and using reverse DNS lookups to map IP addresses to policy server addresses. This allows the system to dynamically adapt to changing network conditions, user mobility, and different access gateways while maintaining reliable policy enforcement through structured identification mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If individual configuration structures are created for each session, then policy customization is precise, but system complexity and configuration overhead increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal policy server identification mechanism that works across multiple session types, access technologies, and administrative domains. The reverse DNS lookup approach provides a standardized method for identifying policy servers regardless of the specific session characteristics, eliminating the need for separate configuration structures for each session type while maintaining precise policy application.
3Adaptability or versatility
If reverse DNS lookup is implemented for policy server identification, then scalability and flexibility improve, but query processing time and system overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs reverse DNS lookups during session establishment rather than during active policy enforcement. By initiating the policy server identification process at the beginning of the session when the session request is received, the system prepares the policy server mapping in advance, minimizing delays during actual policy execution and reducing the perceived processing time for users.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed of identifying a policy server in relation to a session invoked by an invoking node on a network via a network access node. The method comprises the steps, performed at an application server, of receiving a session request and extracting a session identifier from the session request. The method further comprises the step of obtaining a policy server address from said session identifier.