QoS Proxy for Dynamic IP Application Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current QoS mechanisms in IP networks require static configuration based on pre-defined IP addresses and port numbers, which is inadequate for dynamic services like video streaming, and lacks standardization in control interfaces between network operators and application servers, leading to inefficiencies and the need for additional external interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A QoS proxy node is configured to intercept and analyze IP packets for signalling information, using deep packet inspection and local policies to dynamically enable QoS support within the network, eliminating the need for external interfaces by controlling QoS enabler nodes through a proprietary or standardized interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If static configuration based on pre-defined IP addresses and port numbers is used, then QoS mechanisms can be easily configured and implemented, but they cannot adapt to dynamic services like video streaming where IP addresses and port numbers change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a QoS proxy as an intermediary component that sits between the network operator and application servers. The proxy intercepts application signalling packets, extracts identification information, and translates it into QoS classification rules. This mediator enables dynamic service identification without requiring static pre-configuration, resolving the contradiction between ease of configuration and adaptability to dynamic services.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/static approach of pre-defining IP addresses and port numbers with a software-based dynamic classification system. Instead of relying on fixed configuration entries, the system uses deep packet inspection and signalling analysis to dynamically identify applications and create QoS rules on-demand, substituting the static mechanical configuration system with a flexible software-based approach.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an external QoS control interface is implemented for communication between network operators and application servers, then QoS support can be enabled for selected applications, but multiple different interfaces are introduced by different network operators and application services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the QoS proxy universal by implementing it as a standardized component that can work with multiple application servers and network operators through a common interface. The proxy handles various application types (video streaming, VoIP, etc.) and communicates with different QoS enablers using the same underlying mechanisms, eliminating the need for multiple proprietary interfaces and reducing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If deep packet inspection is applied to analyze IP packets for signalling information, then dynamic application identification is achieved, but processing time and network overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the QoS proxy inspect and analyze signalling packets before the actual data traffic flows through the network. The proxy extracts identification information from the signalling phase and uses this pre-obtained data to set up QoS rules in advance, so that when the actual data traffic arrives, QoS processing can be performed efficiently without requiring deep inspection of every data packet.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method, apparatus and system to implement QoS support for selected services in IP based networks. The invention specifically relates to a method, apparatus and system for triggering and/or enabling QoS support for selected applications by means of a QoS proxy which is configured by a network operator. An analysis of application signalling on a QoS dedicated QoS proxy node is provided via an interface. The QoS proxy node is configured to intercept IP packets with signalling information used to control network services. The QoS proxy node is further configured to analyze intercepted IP packets in order to extract, derive and utilize signalling information of applications by means of IP packet classifiers whereby deep packet inspection is optionally applied for certain IP packets, if needed.