Proxy Resource Reservation in Next Generation Networks

The patent introduces an Application Function (AF) entity as an intermediary between the CPE and the transport network. The AF acts as a mediator that receives resource requests from the CPE, formulates appropriate resources request messages, and submits them to the transport layer through the resources mediation policy decision function. This intermediary role ensures both direct authorization (improving ease of operation) and proper coordination between service and transport layers (improving reliability).

The patent segments the resource reservation process into distinct functional components: the service negotiation phase (handled by existing service control equipment) and the resource reservation phase (handled by the new AF entity). By separating these functions, the patent enables efficient proxy-requested mode resource reservation without complicating the existing service negotiation processes. The AF handles resource-specific negotiations independently, leaving service-level negotiations unchanged.

The patent enhances the RACS functional architecture by introducing a multi-functional AF entity that can handle multiple resource reservation modes (CPE-Requested, Proxy-Requested, and Access Configuration modes) within a unified framework. This universal design allows the system to maintain stability while gaining adaptability to support proxy-requested mode and other reservation patterns without requiring separate specialized systems for each mode.