SPDF Address Insertion in NGN Protocol Messages

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current Next Generation Network (NGN) architecture lacks mechanisms for determining how the Service Policy Decision Function (SPDF) and Resource Admission Control Function (RACF) or edge routers find each other, particularly in push and pull operations, which is not addressed by existing standards like ETSI or 3GPP specifications.

Innovation Solution

A method where a network element inserts the address of a first network function (such as SPDF or edge router) into protocol messages transported through the network, allowing other network elements to extract and forward this address for correct functionality, potentially using SIP or IP level messaging, enabling SPDF and RACF to communicate effectively without relying on authorization tokens.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If authorization tokens are used to transport the address of the Policy Decision Function (PDF) from the application function to the user equipment, then the address can be delivered, but it requires 3GPP specific SIP mechanisms in the control plane and NGN terminals, increasing system complexity and reducing versatility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaddress delivery reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol plane mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses protocol messages as intermediaries to carry the PDF address from the application function through the network to the user equipment and edge router. Instead of requiring direct SIP mechanism integration, the address is transported embedded within standard protocol messages, simplifying the control plane while maintaining reliable address delivery

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the protocol messages multi-functional by using them both for their primary communication purpose and as carriers for the PDF address information. This eliminates the need for separate authorization token mechanisms, reducing complexity while maintaining the ability to deliver addresses reliably across different network types

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the Service Policy Decision Function (SPDF) and Resource Admission Control Function (RACF) are designed to find each other through pull or push operations, then resource management can be dynamic, but no mechanism is defined for how they locate each other, creating a functional gap

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource management flexibilityVSAvoidfunction location mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the RACF with the address of the SPDF through protocol messages before the pull operation is needed. The edge router receives the SPDF address in advance via protocol messages from the application function, enabling the RACF to locate the SPDF immediately when resource management operations are required, thus maintaining both flexibility and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP1875723B1A method for inserting and extracting a required address, corresponding network functions and network
Publication Date: 2018.12.26 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP1875723B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1875723B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1875723B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

At the end of the abstract , add: "Applied in a Next Generation Network"?GN", the invention provides a mechanism for a Service Policy Decision Function"SPDF" (second network function) to find the appropriate Resource Admission Control Function"RACF" (first network function) , or for an Edge Router to find the SPDF or vice versa."