SCEF Policy Enforcement for Multi-UE Background Data Transfers
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for effective policy enforcement methods and apparatus for background data transfers involving multiple user equipments (UEs) in mobile networks, particularly for lightweight machine-to-machine (LWM2M) devices, to manage bandwidth and ensure compliance with predefined transfer policies.
Innovation Solution
A network node, such as a Service and Capability Exposure Function (SCEF) in a 4G or 5G mobile network, receives requests for background data transfers, verifies time windows and bandwidth limits, and enforces policies by either proceeding with data delivery or indicating non-delivery, ensuring that aggregate bandwidth limits are not exceeded, using both IP and non-IP data delivery methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If background data transfers are performed for multiple UEs without centralized policy enforcement, then data delivery speed is improved, but network bandwidth control deteriorates and aggregate limits are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing transfer policies and bandwidth limits before background data transfers occur. The policy enforcement function pre-configures time windows, aggregate bandwidth limits, and per-UE restrictions, then automatically enforces these constraints during data transfers without real-time manual intervention, preventing bandwidth exhaustion while maintaining delivery speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a policy enforcement function as an intermediary between the data transfer system and network resources. This intermediary component monitors and controls background data transfers, ensuring aggregate bandwidth limits are not exceeded while allowing individual transfers to proceed at required speeds within the configured time windows.
2Adaptability or versatility
If background data transfers are performed without time window verification, then data delivery flexibility is improved, but network overload increases during peak periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by restricting background data transfers to predefined time windows. During these authorized intervals, transfers can proceed with high flexibility; outside these windows, transfers are blocked or throttled. This periodic enforcement prevents network overload during peak periods while maintaining delivery flexibility when network conditions are favorable.
3Reliability
If per-UE bandwidth tracking is implemented for multiple UEs, then individual UE compliance is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining per-UE bandwidth tracking with aggregate bandwidth monitoring in a unified policy enforcement function. Instead of separate complex systems for individual and aggregate tracking, the enforcement function consolidates both capabilities, using shared data structures and processing logic to monitor multiple UEs simultaneously while maintaining individual compliance and aggregate limits.
4Quantity of substance
If aggregate bandwidth limits are enforced for groups of UEs, then network resource protection is improved, but individual UE data delivery may be restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by allowing individual UEs to exceed their isolated fair share of bandwidth when the aggregate group limit has not been reached. The system permits multiple UEs to transfer data concurrently at high rates as long as the combined consumption remains within the authorized aggregate limit, providing flexibility to individual UEs while protecting overall network resources.
Data Source
AI summary
A policy enforcement technique may be performed at a network node configured for exposure of services and capabilities, such as a service and capability exposure function (SCEF) or a network exposure function (NEF). In one illustrative example, the network node may receive a message which includes a request for background data transfer from an application server (AS) to a plurality of UEs of a group. The message may include mobile-terminated (MT) data to be delivered, a group ID associated with the group, a total bandwidth for the background data transfer for the group, and a transfer policy ID associated with a transfer policy. The network node may verify whether the total bandwidth for the background data transfer for the group is within a predefined aggregate bandwidth limit indicated in the transfer policy data. The network node may cause the background data to be sent to each one of the plurality of UEs via the mobile network, if the total bandwidth is within the predefined aggregate bandwidth limit. In some implementations, the network node may be configured to facilitate background data transfers and perform policy enforcement for transfers involving both IP data delivery and non-IP data delivery (NIDD).