Service Link Selection Control for Network Traffic Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing communication systems, users are forced to pass through multiple value-added service devices sequentially, leading to unnecessary traffic burden and increased failure points, as not all users require all available services.
Innovation Solution
A service chain selection control method and device that receive and analyze service chain selection policies to identify the necessary value-added service devices for a specific application type, allowing messages to pass through only the required devices by adding identifiers to service flows and using extended Gx interface protocols for communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all value-added service devices are connected in series between access device and internet, then comprehensive service coverage is achieved, but unnecessary traffic burden increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the unified service chain into multiple independent service chains, each tailored to specific application types. Instead of forcing all traffic through a single long chain of value-added service devices, the system divides services into separate pathways (e.g., one chain for antivirus, another for caching, another for firewall) that can be selectively activated based on application requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic service chain selection where the system adaptively chooses appropriate service chains based on real-time detection of application types. The PCRF unit dynamically determines which service chain to activate for each application, allowing the system to flexibly adjust the service path rather than following a fixed series connection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all value-added service devices are passed through sequentially, then all services are available to all users, but traffic burden on unnecessary devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making service availability specific to both user needs and application types. Different service chains are configured with different combinations of value-added service devices based on the characteristics of specific applications. For example, streaming video may use a chain with caching but without antivirus, while file downloads may use a chain with both caching and antivirus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the necessary value-added service devices from the complete set of available services and places them in the appropriate service chains. Each service chain contains only the subset of devices required for its specific application type, removing unnecessary devices from the path and reducing traffic burden on those extracted devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple value-added service devices are connected in series, then more services can be provided, but the number of failure points increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting services into separate chains, the patent reduces the number of devices any single service flow must pass through. A failure in one service chain does not affect other chains, as each chain is an independent pathway. This segmentation isolates failure points rather than propagating them through a unified series connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCRF unit acts as an intermediary that intelligently selects and routes service flows to appropriate service chains. This mediator determines the optimal path based on application type detection, ensuring that service flows pass through minimal necessary devices while maintaining access to required services.
4Ease of operation
If a fixed service chain is used for all applications, then device configuration is simplified, but system adaptability to different application types decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the service provisioning into standardized service chain templates, each configured for specific application types. This segmentation allows preconfiguration of service chains with appropriate devices for particular applications (e.g., a web browsing chain, a video streaming chain, a file transfer chain), making configuration manageable while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates multi-functional service chains that can handle multiple application types through the PCRF's intelligent routing. Each service chain is designed with flexibility to serve different purposes, and the PCRF unit universally applies the same detection and selection logic across all applications to determine the appropriate chain.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are a service link selection control method and device. The service link selection control method comprises: receiving a service link selection strategy sent by a cooperative device, wherein the service link selection strategy contains a correlation among the three, i.e. first strategy context information, a first application type and a first service link, the first service link being a path composed of a forwarding device and a value-added service device through which a first service flow need to pass, the first service flow coming from a user matching the first strategy context information, and the type of the first service flow being the first application type; receiving, by a PCRF unit, the first strategy context information, and determining a service link selection control strategy according to the first strategy context information and the service link selection strategy, wherein the service link selection control strategy contains a correlation between the first application type and the first service link; and sending, by the PCRF unit, the service link selection control strategy to a flow classifier. The method above can avoid passing through unnecessary devices.