Integrated SCEF Platform for Non-IP IoT Service Exposure
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an integrated platform that can efficiently provide Service Capability Exposure Function (SCEF), Service Capability Server (SCS), and Application Server (AS) services for IoT devices, especially those that do not use IP or SMS transport, to manage the growing demand for IoT connectivity and data communication while conserving battery power and reducing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A system with a computing platform and modules for cellular device connectivity and IoT service handling, which determines whether to invoke IoT service handling based on message attributes, forwarding non-IP messages to appropriate servers for data pass-through or IoT service handling, thereby enabling IoT devices to connect, communicate, and provide data without requiring built-in IP stacks or GPS capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If IoT devices use IP or SMS transport for network communication, then communication capability is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The SCEF acts as an intermediary function that enables non-IP devices to access 3GPP services without requiring IP stacks. The SCEF receives non-IP messages from devices, determines whether to invoke IoT service handling based on message attributes, and forwards messages to appropriate servers (SCS or AS), thereby mediating between simple non-IP devices and complex network services
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the communication architecture into distinct functional components: SCEF for service exposure, SCS for service capability management, and AS for application services. This segmentation allows IoT devices to remain simple while complex services are handled by specialized network functions
2Adaptability or versatility
If IoT devices implement full IP communication stacks and GPS capabilities, then service functionality is improved, but power consumption and device cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The SCEF serves as a mediator that provides location services and other network functions to non-IP devices without requiring the devices to have built-in GPS or full IP stacks. The network handles location determination and service provisioning, allowing devices to remain power-efficient while accessing sophisticated services
Solution Approach 2:
The network infrastructure provides services that would otherwise require complex device functionality. The SCEF, SCS, and AS work together to provide location services, data analytics, and other capabilities that would increase device power consumption if implemented in the device itself
3Reliability
If separate platforms are used for SCEF, SCS, and AS services, then service independence and reliability are improved, but system complexity and deployment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes an integrated platform that combines SCEF, SCS, and AS services into a single unified system. This integration reduces the number of separate components that need to be deployed and managed, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining the functional independence of each service through modular design within the integrated platform
4Adaptability or versatility
If the SCEF forwards all non-IP messages to external servers, then service flexibility is improved, but messaging latency and network overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated platform implements local processing capabilities where messages can be handled by the SCEF, SCS, or AS based on their specific requirements. This allows frequently accessed services or time-critical messages to be processed locally without always requiring external server communication, reducing latency while maintaining service flexibility
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for providing integrated service capability exposure function (SCEF), service capability server (SCS) and application server (AS) functions is provided. The system includes at least one processor. The system further includes a cellular device connectivity (CDC) service module implemented by the at least one processor for providing SCEF services and for determining whether to invoke Internet of things (loT) service handling based on content of received messages. The system further includes an loT service module implemented by the at least one processor for providing SCS and AS services for received messages identified by the CDC service module as requiring loT service handling.