Sponsored Service Management for Dynamic QoS Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 3GPP LTE architecture lacks the ability to dynamically control and configure data connections for sponsored application services, failing to adapt to the emerging business model where third-party application providers manage network connectivity, leading to inadequate quality of service (QoS) and revenue sharing challenges for mobile operators.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a method and device that enable dynamic metering and configuration of data connections based on traffic flow, integrating a Sponsored Service Management and Usage Control System to manage sponsored application services, enhancing the 3GPP PCC architecture for policy and charging control, and allowing for Quality of Service (QoS) management and usage limits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the current 3GPP PCC architecture is used to control subscriber data service connections, then operator control over own subscribers is improved, but the ability to control third-party sponsored application services deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator control capabilityVSAvoidsponsored service support
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the service control function by introducing a separate sponsored service management entity that operates independently from the traditional PCC architecture. This entity specifically handles third-party sponsored services while the original PCC architecture continues to manage subscriber services, allowing both functions to coexist without interference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary sponsored service management entity that acts as a mediator between third-party application providers and the operator's network infrastructure. This intermediary translates third-party service requirements into network-compatible control mechanisms, enabling seamless integration without modifying the core PCC architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If static data connection configuration is used in the current architecture, then system simplicity is improved, but dynamic QoS control for sponsored services deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem architectureVSAvoiddynamic QoS control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic configuration capabilities by introducing a sponsored service management entity that can real-time adjust data connection parameters, QoS policies, and resource allocation based on actual service requirements and network conditions, transforming the static PCC architecture into a dynamic system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes pre-configured templates and policies for sponsored services that can be rapidly activated and adjusted. This preliminary preparation allows the system to quickly respond to service demands without complex real-time decision-making, maintaining operational simplicity while enabling dynamic control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the traditional PCC architecture is maintained, then existing subscriber service management is improved, but sponsored service revenue sharing and traffic flow metering deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubscriber service managementVSAvoidtraffic flow information
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enhances the PCC architecture with multi-functional capabilities by introducing a sponsored service management entity that simultaneously handles subscriber service management, sponsored service control, traffic flow metering, and revenue sharing calculations, allowing a single system to perform multiple previously separate functions

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

Data Source

PatentEP2652973B1Method for processing service connection in a communication network and device thereof
Publication Date: 2021.05.12 ALCATEL LUCENT SA
  • EP2652973B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2652973B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2652973B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a method for processing a service connection in a communication network, comprising: A) determining, in response to a establishment request for the service connection from a UE, whether the service corresponding to the establishment request is a sponsored service, wherein the sponsored service is provided by a third party application provider; B) sending a validating request for the sponsored service to the third party application provider, if the service corresponding to the establishment request is a sponsored service; and C) controlling the sponsored service connection according to the information related to the sponsored service, if receiving a successful acknowledgement corresponding to the validating request. And a device corresponding to the method is provided. With the above method, the data connection of the sponsored application service may be dynamically controlled and configured, moreover the requirement of QoS control service can be dynamically met.