Service Activation Engine Policy Provisioning via COPS-PR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network service activation and deactivation frameworks, particularly in ISP environments, lack an efficient mechanism to dynamically manage network policies across different models, leading to limitations in feature availability and operational flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating a Service Activation Engine (SAE) with a Policy Information Base (PIB) file and a server that utilizes COPS-PR to dynamically create interface connections, identify corresponding network policies, and provision them to subscriber devices, enabling flexible and efficient service activation and deactivation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the outsourcing model is used in COPS-PR, then centralized policy control is achieved, but certain useful features of the configuration model become unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dual-mode COPS-PR architecture that allows the policy enforcement point to operate in either outsourcing mode or configuration mode. This universal design enables the system to provide centralized policy control when needed while also supporting local configuration features, thereby achieving both automation and adaptability through a single multi-functional platform
2Adaptability or versatility
If the configuration model is used in COPS-PR, then local policy features are available, but centralized control capabilities are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic switching between outsourcing and configuration modes in the COPS-PR protocol. The policy enforcement point can adapt its operational mode based on the specific service or policy requirements, allowing centralized control for some policies while maintaining local configuration capabilities for others, thus resolving the contradiction between centralized automation and local adaptability
3Device complexity
If a single policy model is implemented, then system simplicity is maintained, but operational flexibility and feature availability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the policy control functionality into two distinct operational modes (outsourcing and configuration) within the COPS-PR framework. Each mode handles specific types of policy requirements independently, allowing the system to maintain simplicity within each segment while achieving overall operational flexibility through the combination of multiple segmented functionalities
Data Source
AI summary
A device may include a service activation engine (SAE) including: a policy information base (PIB) file that defines a plurality of attachments that correspond to a plurality of network policies; and a server. The server may receive a request, using common open policy service for policy provisioning (COPS-PR), for a network service related to an interface handle associated with a subscriber device; determine which ones of the network policies correspond to the network service; and send, using COPS-PR, a provisioning instance (PRI) including a first of the attachments to implement the ones of the network policies to the interface handle based on the attachments.