SDN Network Charging Mechanism for Dynamic Flow Path Tariffs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SDN networks lack dynamic content-dependent charging mechanisms, failing to provide differentiated tariff structures for flow paths, which hinders the ability to offer lower charged routing paths for end users and limits service providers' revenue potential.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method and apparatus for smart charging in SDN networks that determine and configure network condition-related rates for each routing path, allowing SDN control devices to select optimal routing paths based on tariff considerations, enabling dynamic context-dependent charging and non-flat tariff structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If SDN control device determines flow path based on network strategy and traffic/Qos, then network management is simplified, but dynamic content-dependent charging is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the charging mechanism by introducing separate charging fields (chargeable indicator, charge amount, charging type) into the flow table entries. This allows the flow path determination function to remain simple while charging functionality is added as distinct segments, resolving the contradiction between simplified management and charging adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic charging by allowing charging parameters to be updated in real-time based on network conditions, user profiles, and content types. The charging plan can be dynamically adjusted without changing the overall flow table structure, enabling adaptability while maintaining management simplicity.
2Device complexity
If flat tariff is used for all routing paths, then implementation is simple, but service provider revenue potential is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different charging parameters to different flow table entries corresponding to different routing paths. Each path can have its own chargeable indicator, charge amount, and charging type, enabling differentiated pricing for different paths while maintaining a unified flow table structure for simple implementation.
3Productivity
If differentiated tariff structures are implemented for different flow paths, then service provider revenue potential increases, but charging mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds charging-related dimensions (chargeable indicator, charge amount, charging type fields) to the existing flow table structure without fundamentally changing the routing mechanism. This allows differentiated pricing to be implemented by adding fields rather than redesigning the entire charging system, reducing the complexity increase.
Data Source
AI summary
The SDN control device is configured to determine a charging plan and a corresponding routing path for a data flow of a user. The charging plan is associated with a network condition-related rate of respective SDN service device in the routing path. The SDN control device is configured to configure the charging plan for the respective SDN service device. Each of the SDN service device is configured to charge the data flow based on a network condition-related rate applicable to the SDN service device in the charging plan. The each of the SDN service device is configured to aggregate generated charging information to provide it to a charging system.