QoS Exposure via Application Function Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication networks, particularly in 4G and 3G systems, lack mechanisms to effectively expose Quality of Service (QoS) information outside the network, leading to inadequate Quality of Experience (QoE) for users, especially when dealing with multiple connections across different radio access technologies and varying network conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that enable communication networks to provide QoS information to entities outside the network by using a network element function with a QoS monitor and control function, which communicates with application servers and user equipment, obtaining and transmitting QoS parameters, mobility contexts, and QoS labels to manage data flows and adjust packet handling procedures based on network conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If QoS information is exposed outside the network to enable dynamic adjustment, then Quality of Experience (QoE) is improved, but network security and control are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an Application Function (AF) as an intermediary entity that acts as a bridge between external application servers and the core network. The AF receives QoS capability requests from external servers, validates them against network policies, and translates them into appropriate network commands. This intermediary layer enables QoS information exposure and dynamic adjustment while maintaining network security through centralized policy control and validation mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple QoS levels and service types are supported, then service versatility is improved, but device and network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal QoS framework where the Application Function (AF) and QoS monitor serve multiple purposes: they handle QoS capability exposure, manage diverse service types (voice, video, data), support multiple QoS levels, and provide centralized policy control. This multi-functional design enables the network to support versatile services while avoiding the proliferation of separate management systems, thus controlling overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic QoS parameter adjustment by allowing the AF to modify parameters such as data rate, latency, and packet loss thresholds based on service requirements and network conditions. This parameter-based flexibility allows the network to adapt to different service types and quality levels without requiring structural changes to the network architecture, thereby managing complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Reliability
If real-time QoS monitoring and dynamic adjustment are implemented, then Quality of Experience is improved, but network processing overhead and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the QoS monitor continuously monitors network performance and user experience metrics, then provides this information to the Application Function. The AF uses this feedback to make dynamic QoS adjustments only when necessary, rather than continuously modifying parameters. This feedback-based approach maintains high QoS while reducing unnecessary processing and energy consumption by triggering adjustments only in response to actual performance deviations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for providing access to Quality of Service levels from within a network to entities outside of the network.