Smart Router Dynamic Policy Enforcement for Traffic Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication networks lack sufficient functionality in managing and routing traffic, particularly in providing advanced services like quality of service, traffic rating, and intelligent path management, due to limitations in network intelligence and static configurations.
Innovation Solution
A smart router with a message inspection module and policy enforcement module that can dynamically determine and enforce policies based on message identification information, allowing for programmable handling of network traffic through delegation of tasks and interaction with the service layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional firewalls or smart routers are used to filter and route network traffic, then basic traffic management is achieved, but sufficient functionality for advanced services like quality of service, traffic rating, and intelligent path management is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic policy enforcement where routing decisions are not static but adapt in real-time based on service layer policies. The system dynamically evaluates traffic against configurable policies and adjusts routing paths, bandwidth allocation, and quality of service parameters on-the-fly, transforming traditional static routers into adaptive intelligent networking devices that can respond to changing network conditions and service requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the routing function into multiple independent modules: message inspection module for traffic analysis, policy evaluation module for decision-making, and policy enforcement module for execution. This segmentation allows each module to specialize in specific tasks, improving overall system functionality and adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture
2Adaptability or versatility
If network intelligence is increased to provide advanced traffic management capabilities, then functionality for quality of service and intelligent routing is improved, but device complexity and configuration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a service layer as an intermediary between the network infrastructure and end-user applications. This service layer acts as a mediator that translates high-level service requirements into detailed routing policies, shielding users from complex network configuration while enabling advanced traffic management. The service layer handles policy creation, modification, and deployment, making intelligent networking accessible without requiring deep technical expertise
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service capabilities where the router automatically evaluates traffic against configured policies and enforces decisions without human intervention. The policy evaluation and enforcement mechanisms operate autonomously, continuously monitoring traffic patterns and adjusting routing decisions based on predefined service level agreements and network conditions, reducing the need for manual configuration and management
Data Source
AI summary
A smart router is used to analyze messages and apply programmable policies to messages based on various diagnostics. Policies can be set by applications or other appropriate entities, such as a service layer. The smart router is able to delegate specific tasks, such as various transport (e.g., firewall, network bandwidth/congestion monitoring), service (e.g., charging, determine quality of service, identify session, filter service level content), and processing (e.g. codec transformation) tasks. Based on the result of the processing, the router can bounce, re-direct, route, or otherwise handle the network traffic.