A MARK-UP APPROACH TO SERVICE CREATION

The paper presents a new mark-up approach to service creation in Next Generation Networks. The approach allows access to network functions exposed by open application programming interfaces. Based on ontology analysis of the application domain, language constructions are synthesized and formally defined. Language supporting tools are developed. The approach functionality is tested by simulation

Open Access to Resource Management in Multimedia Networks

The paper is dedicated to mechanisms for open access to resource management in the Internet Protocol (IP) multimedia networks. First we present the concept of IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) and explain the IMS functional architecture, principles of quality of service management and service control in IMS. Then we describe the idea behind the opening of network interfaces for third parties so that others besides the network operator can create and deploy services. Open Service Access (OSA) and Parlay appear to be the technologies for value-added service delivery in multimedia networks. In the paper we take a closer look to the Parlay/OSA interfaces that allow third party applications to access the resource management functions in IMS. OSA "Connectivity Manager" interfaces and OSA "Policy Management" interfaces are considered. Parlay X Web Services interfaces provide a higher level of abstraction than Parlay/OSA interfaces and gain an amazing amount of support among service developers. We address "Applicationdriven Quality of Service" Parlay X Web Service and "Policy" Parlay X Web Service also

Parlay X Web Services for Policy and Charging Control in Multimedia Networks

The paper investigates the capabilities of Parlay X Web Services for Policy and Charging Control (PCC) in managing all Internet-protocol-based multimedia networks (IMSs). PCC is one of the core features of evolved packet networks. It comprises flow-based charging including charging control and online credit control, gating control, and Quality of Service (QoS) control. Based on the analysis of requirements for PCC, the functionality for open access to QoS management and advanced charging is identified. Parlay X Web Services are evaluated for the support of PCC, and some enhancements are suggested. Implementation aspects are discussed, and Parlay X interfaces are mapped onto IMS control protocols. Use cases of Parlay X Web Services for PCC are presented

Mobile edge computing applications for connectivity management

Connectivity management is the ability to connect and manage mobile devices in Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications. Resilient and scalable connectivity management, which is fundamental to M2M solutions, may be achieved by using Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) technology. MEC enables applications to timely response to dynamic changes in radio conditions and thus to improve effectiveness of connectivity management. In this paper, we present models of device connectivity management that may be supported by MEC applications. We suggest a method for automatic detection of undesired interaction between applications using standard reasoning over description logic

Usage Monitoring Control in Radio Access Network

Multi-access Edge Computing is a promising re- search domain in 5G networks, as it is aimed at improving network efficiency by distributing cloud computing capabilities at the network edge. In this paper, we present a new mobile edge service for usage monitoring control. Usage monitoring control is defined as a part of Policy and Charging Control functionality in the core network. Moving the usage monitoring function close to the end user enables efficient control on data traffic. The proposed mobile edge service is described by typical use cases, data model and interface definition. As proof of concept, we propose resource state models as seen by mobile edge applications and platform, which are formally described and verified

Mobile Edge Service for Charging Control

5G systems will provide a flexible charging capabilities including policy control based on spending limits for a subscription. Edge computing possesses the potential for exposing policy control and charging capabilities to third party applications close to the end users. In this paper, we propose a new mobile edge service that provides open access to functions related to monitoring the usage limits regardless the way of measurement i.e. monetary, volume, duration, etc. Currently, this function is a part of the core network functionality. Using the proposed service interfaces, an intended application may track the usage of network resource by a subscriber and to request applying of enforcement action to user traffic such as quality of service downgrade, traffic redirection or blocking close to the end user. The description of the proposed mobile edge service is provided in form of typical use cases, data model, interface definition, and formally verified state models

Towards Intelligent, Programmable, and Open Railway Networks

The virtualization and automation of network functions will be key features of future high-speed railway networks, which have to provide dependable, safe, and secure services. The virtualization of railway network functions will enable functions such as train control, train integrity protection, shunting control, and trackside monitoring and maintenance to be virtualized and to be run on general-purpose hardware. Network function virtualization combined with edge computing can deliver dynamic, low-latency, and reliable services. The automation of railway operations can be achieved by embedding intelligence into the network to optimize the railway operation performance and to enhance the passenger experience. This paper presents an innovative railway network architecture that features distributed intelligence, function cloudification and virtualization, openness, and programmability. The focus is on time-tolerant and time-sensitive intelligent services designed to follow the principles of service-oriented architecture. The interaction between identified logical identities is illustrated by use cases. The paper provides some details of the design of the interface between distributed intelligent services and presents the results of an emulation of the interface performance

Third Party User Interaction Control in SIP Networks

Part 2: Full PapersInternational audienceA lot of attractive applications in addition to manipulation of session related signaling involve specific processing at media level such as playing media, prompting and collecting media from the user, mixing media streams etc. One of the ways of provisioning applications in managed all IP-based multimedia networks, is based on Open Service Access (OSA) service platform. The paper investigates the capabilities for OSA third party control on user interactions in multimedia networks where the session management is based on Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). The focus is on the interoperability between OSA application control on session-related user interactions and media services in SIP networks. OSA user interaction interfaces are mapped onto SIP signaling. The behavior of the OSA gateway is modeled by synchronization of application view on user interaction call and SIP session involving media resources. A formal approach to functional verification of OSA gateway is proposed

Model Aspects of Open Access to Multimedia Broadcast Services in the Evolved Packet System

Multimedia broadcast is the most efficient method to distribute identical content to multiple users in the Evolved Packet System (EPS). EPS enables efficient usage of network resources and provisioning of quality of service for every user. Third-party control allows applications in an enterprise domain to invoke network functions like multimedia broadcast. In this paper, an approach to modeling the behavior of Service Capability Server (SCS) for multimedia broadcast in EPS is presented. Third-party applications can access multimedia broadcasting capabilities by using Parlay X Web Service interfaces. The SCS for multimedia broadcast exposes Parlay X interfaces toward 3rd-party applications and control protocols toward the network. The SCS functional behavior has to be synchronized with the application view on message broadcast and the state of the network resources intended for the broadcast session. Models of multicast session, IP connectivity session, and bearers’ and charging session are proposed and formally described using the notation of Label Transition Systems. The concept of weak bisimilarity is used to prove that models expose equivalent behavior; that is, they are synchronized