Time-Based Traffic Control Policy Execution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional traffic control methods are limited by relying solely on packet information, restricting the ability to control traffic with various methods and time conditions, which hampers efficient network management and service provision.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to set and execute a time-based traffic control policy by combining tuple information from packets with a time condition, allowing for dynamic traffic management across different stages of a network, including policy servers, policy management systems, and policy execution equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traffic control policy is set using only packet information, then the policy setting is simple, but the ability to control traffic with various methods is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a time dimension to the traditional packet-based traffic control policy. By adding time conditions (start time, end time, time unit) to the policy parameters, the system enables time-based traffic control without fundamentally changing the existing policy structure. This allows operators to control traffic based on both packet characteristics and temporal patterns, significantly increasing adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through a structured time-condition framework.
2Productivity
If time-based policy is executed continuously, then real-time control is achieved, but system resources are consumed unnecessarily during non-execution periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic execution of time-based policies by monitoring the current time against policy time conditions. The policy execution point only activates and executes policies when the current time falls within the specified time range. During non-execution periods, the system enters a low-resource state, checking time conditions periodically rather than continuously executing policies. This approach maintains real-time control responsiveness when needed while significantly reducing system resource consumption during idle periods.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple time conditions are added to policy, then traffic control flexibility increases, but the complexity of policy management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments time-based policy conditions into distinct, manageable parameters: time unit (day, week, month), start time, end time, and recurrence patterns. Each parameter can be independently configured and validated. The system provides structured interfaces for setting these parameters, allowing operators to build complex time-based policies through a series of simple, organized steps rather than managing monolithic complex conditions. This segmentation maintains ease of operation while enabling high flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling traffic, particularly, a method of setting and executing a traffic control policy in which a time condition is additionally combined is provided. At any specific step of a network that executes a time-based policy, an execution time point of the time-based policy can be determined. Further, a network service provider can provide various application services to a network user using a time-based policy.