Proxy Cache Filtering in Radio Access Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current content services in radio access networks (RAN) face challenges in providing advanced caching and filtering services due to the limitations of computing devices at base stations, which are not hardened for such tasks, and require more than basic computational capabilities for services like charging.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method and system for content caching with remote filtering services in RAN, where responses to user requests are evaluated based on policies to determine cacheability, with a caching module in the base station caching only cacheable content and a filtering service in the RNC marking responses as uncacheable by annotating HTTP headers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If content services (caching and filtering) are placed within the RAN at the base station, then content delivery efficiency is improved, but the computing device at the base station becomes overburdened and requires hardening which increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the content service functionality by separating caching operations at the base station from filtering operations at the RNC. The base station performs only lightweight caching tasks while the RNC handles more complex filtering and policy evaluation, thus avoiding overburdening the base station computing device while still providing advanced content services.
Solution Approach 2:
The RNC acts as an intermediary between the base station and the content delivery network. It receives content from the CDN, evaluates filtering policies, marks uncacheable content, and forwards the processed content to the base station for caching. This intermediary role allows the base station to focus solely on caching without bearing the computational burden of complex filtering.
2Adaptability or versatility
If basic content services are provided at the base station, then service simplicity is maintained, but advanced services like charging cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides service capabilities between different network elements: the base station provides basic caching services with minimal computing requirements, while the RNC provides advanced services including filtering, policy evaluation, and charging. This segmentation enables the system to offer versatile services without requiring the base station to have complex computational capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The RNC serves multiple functions including content filtering, policy evaluation, charging services, and communication with the base station. By consolidating these diverse functions at the RNC level, the system achieves multi-functionality without increasing base station complexity, as the RNC handles all advanced service requirements centrally.
3Reliability
If content filtering is performed at the base station, then local content control is improved, but the computing resources are consumed and devices must be hardened
Solution Approach 1:
The RNC serves as an intermediary that performs content filtering and policy evaluation before content reaches the base station. This centralizes the computationally intensive filtering operations at the RNC, which has access to more robust computing resources, while the base station simply receives pre-filtered content for caching and delivery, thus maintaining filtering reliability without consuming base station computing resources.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide a method, system and computer program product for content caching with remote filtering services in a radio access network (RAN). In an embodiment of the invention, a method for content caching with remote filtering services in a RAN can include receiving a response to a request from an end user device wirelessly coupled to a base station of the RAN, marking the response as uncacheable, and routing the response to the base station over a data communications network. In one aspect of the embodiment, the response can be received in an RNC of the RAN. Of note, the process of marking the response as uncacheable can depend upon the evaluation of a policy with respect to the response.