Proxy Function for Automatic Network Service Provider Information Exchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for establishing communication between network elements, such as the Traffic Detection Function (TDF) and Content Delivery Network (CDN), require manual configuration and maintenance, which is inefficient and prone to errors due to the need for manual operator intervention and time-consuming updates.

Innovation Solution

A proxy mechanism is introduced, where proxy functions with their own address information are implemented in each set of network service providers, allowing for automatic exchange of information by configuring and maintaining network service provider information between sets, with the option for primary and secondary proxy functions to ensure flexibility and redundancy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual configuration and maintenance is used for network element communication, then communication can be established between network elements, but the process is inefficient and time-consuming requiring manual operator intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration efficiencyVSAvoidtime for manual updates
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic self-configuration of network elements through peer-to-peer information exchange. Each network element automatically discovers and configures communication parameters with other elements without manual operator intervention, making the system self-sufficient in maintaining communication routes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A standardized information exchange mechanism acts as an intermediary between network elements from different providers. This mediator enables automatic sharing of communication parameters and routing information, facilitating seamless inter-provider communication without manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If manual configuration is used for network element communication, then communication can be established, but the accuracy of configuration is questionable due to time-consuming updates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidupdate time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous automatic updating of communication configuration information between network elements. Instead of periodic manual updates, the configuration information is continuously synchronized in real-time, ensuring always-current and accurate routing data without interruption to service.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

Network elements continuously exchange feedback information about their communication status and configuration parameters. This feedback mechanism enables automatic detection and correction of configuration issues, maintaining high accuracy through real-time verification and updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If automatic information exchange is implemented between network service providers, then communication efficiency is improved, but the complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation exchange efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal standardized information exchange format and protocol that can be applied across different network providers and element types. This single standardized mechanism serves multiple purposes including routing, discovery, and configuration management, reducing overall system complexity despite the automatic exchange functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2891298B1Method and node for automatically exchanging network service provider information
Publication Date: 2023.02.15 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP2891298B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2891298B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2891298B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method is provided for automatically exchanging network service provider information between two sets of network service providers. The method comprises the steps of configuring at least one address of a proxy function of a second set of network service providers for a proxy function of a first set of network service providers (s301); sending network service provider information of the first set of network service providers to the proxy function of the second set of network service providers with the at least one address of the proxy function of the second set of network service providers (s302); and receiving network service provider information of the second set of network service providers from the proxy function of the second set of network service providers (s303). The network service provider information includes information for addressing the network service provider and ID of service provided by the network service provider. With the present invention, the communication process between two sets of network elements can be more efficient.