MX2012014526A

MX2012014526A - Content caching with remote charging services in a radio access network.

Info

Publication number: MX2012014526A
Application number: MX2012014526A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Erik John Burckart; Victor Moore; Gennaro Cuomo; Savio Rodrigues
Original assignee: Ibm
Priority date: 2010-10-22
Filing date: 2011-10-13
Publication date: 2013-01-29
Also published as: JP2015092748A; CN103168460B; JP2014501055A; CA2814705C; CN103168460A; CA3022251C; DE112011103526T5; KR20130109123A; CN103168482B; KR101476068B1; GB201308693D0; GB2499149B; GB2499149A; CA3022251A1; IL222134A; WO2012052342A1; CA2814705A1; DE112011103526B4; AU2011319565A1; CN103168482A

Abstract

A RAN based data processing system is configured for content caching with remote charging services. The system can include a base station that includes an antenna, a receiver, a transmitter, a processor, a local cache, and a network interface to a data communications network. The system also can include an RNC coupled to the base station over the data communications network. The system yet further can include a charging service executing in memory of a host computer recording charges for data services provided in the RAN. Finally, the system can include a caching with remote charging module executing by the processor of the base station. The module can include program code enabled to receive a data request from an end user device, to route the request to a content server in a computer communications network through a coupled CN, to receive a response to the request, to cache the response in the local cache, to forward the response to the end user device, and to transmit data characteristic of the response to the charging service external.

Description

CACHE STORAGE OF CONTENT WITH REMOTE LOAD SERVICES IN A RADIO ACCESS NETWORK TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention is concerned with content retrieval services provided in a radio access network and more particularly with caching the content retrieved in a radio access network.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The radio access network (RAN) provides the foundation of modern cellular telephony. The RAN works to link different mobile end-user devices to a core network or central network (CN) in such a way that individuals can enjoy telephone and data communications wirelessly within a geographic area covered by the various base locations of the network of radio access. Generally speaking, the RAN provides the infrastructure required to pass both the voice traffic and data from the medium in the air to both the communication network communicated by terrestrial circuits and the data communication network communicated by the inclusive global internet packages .

In the present, several standards have been implemented in relation to the RAN. Examples include the global system for mobile communications (GSM), the universal mobile communications system (UMTS) and the "Edge" RA of GSM (GERAN). The RAN generally includes multiple different radio network controllers (RNCs) each operating a set of base stations that provide wireless connectivity to a geographic cell. All the different RNCs of the RAN are linked to what is known as the cellular data core or CN by means of a gate known as the generalized service radio packet service node (SGSN). The NC provides several services to clients that are connected by the RAN. One of the main functions is to route calls through the public connected telephone network (PSTN). Another is to wrap data packets in an internet protocol (IP) network such as global internet such that end users of the RAN can access services provided by a content delivery network (CDN). For that purpose, the CN includes a gate known as the gate GPRS service node (GGSN).

The typical CDN can provide advanced content delivery services such as content caching and content filtering. Content caching refers to intermediate temporary storage of content previously recovered under the supervision that a subsequent temporary request for content can be satisfied from temporary storage instead of repeating a request that consumes more time for content in the CDN . In contrast, content filtering refers to the restriction of the delivery of the requested content when the content satisfies a particular profile such as being published by a particular source or incorporating particular material. In both instances, the packet processing required to perform advanced content services often demands that those services be provided within the CN where the communications protocol used in the CN is consistent with that of global internet-that is, the control protocol transport (TCP) over IP.

Still, some have suggested placing media for content services such as content caching and content filtering within the RANs. In this regard, Patent Application Publication 20100034089 of Kovvali et al., Suggests the placement of content caching services within the RAN and the removal of TCP / IP loads from the RAN protocol specific to the RAN. However, the placement of content services such as caching and filtering even closer to the end user within the various base stations is undesirable since this requires hardening of computing devices that support the content devices due to the medium physical environment of the base station. As such, when the content services are performed at the base station, only a minimum computing device is provided to handle most of the most basic content services. However, it is often desirable to make more than just the most basic content services. For example, in many instances it is desirable to perform upload services for the content services provided to the end users. To the extent that freight services require more than the most basic computing device, freight services together with the corresponding content services are provided jointly in the RAN as a matter of convenience.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art to deal with the problems mentioned above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies in the art with respect to content services in a RAN and provide a novel and non-obvious method, computer program and product product for caching content with remote loading services in a RAN. In one embodiment of the invention, a method for caching content with remote load services in a RAN has been claimed. The method includes receiving a data request from an end-user device in a base station of a RAN and routing the request to a packet-switched data communications network of the base station by means of a core network or central network arranged between the RAN and the data communications network. The method also includes receiving a response to the request at the base station, caching the response in a local cache memory of the base station, and sending a response to the end user device. Finally, the method includes transmitting characteristic data of the response to a remote load service external to the base station but within the RAN, for example a size of the response, a size of the request or both. In one aspect of the mode, the transmission of the characteristic data of the response to a remote load service may include first batching the characteristic data of the response with other data characteristic of other responses to other requests of other end-user devices. which communicate with the base station and subsequently transmit the data by batch to the remote loading service.

In another embodiment of the invention, a RAN-based data processing system may be configured to store the contained cache with remote loading services. The system may include a base station that includes an antenna, a receiver, a transmitter, a processor, a local cache memory and a network interface to a data communications network. The system may also include an R C coupled to the base station over the data communications network. The system may also further include a charging service that executes in registry of a host computer registration charges for data service provided in the RAN. Finally, the system can include a cached storage with the remote loading module executed by the processor of the base station. The module may include program codes enabled to receive a data request from an end user device, to route the request to a content server in a computer communications network by means of a coupled CN, to receive a response to the request, store the response in the local cache in the station, send the response to the end user device and transmit characteristic data of the response to the external load service.

View of a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for caching content with remote loading services in a radio access network, RAN, the method comprising: receiving a request for data from an end user device in a station base of a RAN; bridging the request to a packet-switched data communications network of the base station by means of a core network disposed between the RAN and the data communications network; receive a response to the request at the base station; cache the response in a local cache memory of the base station and send the response to the end user device and transmit characteristic data of the response to a remote load service external to the base station but within the RAN.

Viewed from a further aspect, the present invention provides a radio access network, RAN, base data processing system configured to cache content with remote upload services, the system comprising: a base station comprising an antenna, a receiver, a transmitter, a processor, a local cache memory and a network interface to a data communications network; a radio network controller, RNC, coupled to the base station over the data communications network; a load service that will run in memory of a host computer that registers charges for the data services provided in the RAN and caching with remote loading module executed by the processor of the base station, the module includes: means to receive a request for data from an end user device; means for bridging the request to a content server in a computer communications network by means of a coupled core network (CN); means to receive a response to the request; means to cache the response in a local cache memory; means for sending the response to the end user device and means for transmitting data characteristic of the response to the external load service; Viewed from a further aspect, the present invention provides a computer program product for content caching with remote loading services in a radio access network, RAN, the computer program product comprising: a storage medium that it can be read by computer, which can be read by a processing circuit and store execution instructions for the processing circuit to effect a method for carrying out the steps of the invention.

In view of a further aspect, the present invention provides a computer program stored in a medium that can be read by computer and that can be loaded into the internal memory of a digital computer, it comprises portions of programming codes, when said program is executed in a computer to carry out the steps of the invention.

Additional aspects of the invention will be summarized in part in the description that follows and in part will be obvious from the description or can be learned by. the practice of the invention. The aspects of the invention will be realized and obtained by means of elements and combinations indicated particularly in the appended claims. It will be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to preferred embodiments as illustrated in the following figures.

Figure 1 is a pictorial illustration of a process for caching content with remote loading services in a RAN, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a RAN-based data processing system configured to cache content with remote upload service, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention and Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating a process for caching content with remote loading services in a RAN, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Modes of the invention provide caching of content with remote loading services in a RAN. According to one embodiment of the invention, a containment request can be received in a caching storage processor running in memory for a computing device in a base station of a cell in RAN of a cellular communications network such as a 3G cellular communication system or UMTS. The content request can be inspected to determine if a response to the request can be found in a local cache memory to the base station. If so, the response stored in cache to the request can be returned to the requesting end user device. Otherwise, a response can be received by means of a CN coupled to the RAN and returned to the end user device. In addition, to the extent that it is determined that the response can be stored in cache memory, the response can be placed in the local cache memory of the base station and a remote load service external to the base station can be notified of caching of the response in order to handle billing externally to the base station.

In a further illustration, Figure 1 pictorially illustrates a process for caching content with remote loading services in a RAN. As shown in Figure 1, a cellular telecommunications network may be provided to include different base stations 120 arranged to provide wireless telephone access to different end user devices 110 for the PSTN 140. Groups of the base stations 120 may be communicatively linked. to a common RNC 130 which in turn can be coupled to a CN 150 thus forming a RAN. The CN 150 may include both an SGSN 180A which acts as a gate for traffic between the CN 150, the PSTN 140 and each RNC 130 as well as a GGSN 160B which acts as a gate between the CN 150 and the data communications network 100 -commonly global internet. The CN 150 itself can support a number of content services 160 as is well known in the art.

It will be noted that a data processing system for caching with remote load 190a can be exposed on one or more of the base stations 120 and can be configured for communicative coupling to a load service 190 running on RNC 130 externally to the base station 120. The data processing system 190A may include program codes that when executed in the data processing system process requests for content that are derived from the end user devices 110 that communicate with the station of base 120 to service cached responses locally to the end user devices 110. Program codes, when executed, may additionally retrieve 190C responses from content servers 180 in the data communications network 100 by means of the CN 150 that have not been cached and can return those recovered 190C responses to user devices final 110. Still further still, the program codes when executed may provide to the load service 190B data pertaining to the nature of the recovered responses 190C once cached locally in the base station 120 such that the load service 190B can process the billing resulting from the caching of the retrieved 190C responses.

In still a further illustration, Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a RAN-based data processing system configured for content caching with remote charging services in a packet data network, such as a 2.5G network or 3G. The system may include a base station 200A coupled to an RNC 200B in a communications network 150, commonly an IP network or an asynchronous transfer mode network (ATM). The base station 200A may include a receiver / transmitter 230 that receives in-air communications from different end-user devices within the transmission range of the base station 200A via the antenna 265 and which routs the same to the RC 200B by means of of the network interface 210. A processor 240 may be provided to perform computational processing on the received data as the data is placed in the memory 220.

The RNC 200B, in turn, can include a host computer 260 with at least one processor and memory that supports the execution of an operating system 270. The operating system 270 in turn can host the execution of a load service 280. The load service 280 may write records to a customer charge data storage 290 in advance of customer service-oriented charges for data services provided to different customers of a RAN-based data processing system. In compliance with the load service 280, a cache storage with remote load module 300 can be arranged in the base station 200A together with a local cache memory 275 coupled to the cache storage with the remote load module 300.

Caching with remote loading modules 300 may include program codes that when executed by the processor 240 of the base station 200A may process requests for data received from end-user devices wirelessly coupled (not shown) when returning responses cached in the local cache memory 275 or for recover the responses of the data communication network 150 and to cache the responses retrieved in the local cache 275. In addition, when a response is placed in the local cache 275 the program code of the caching with the module Remote load 300 may provide characteristic data of the cached response and optionally the request to the load service 280, such as a size of the response stored in cache. In this regard, caching with the remote loading module 300 can provide the characteristic data to the load service 280 in real time or in batches together with other characteristic data for other responses stored in cache.

In still yet a further illustration, Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating a process for caching content with remote load services in an RA. Beginning in block 310, a data request may be received at a RAN base station of an end user device that communicates wirelessly with the base station. In block 320, a local cache memory in the base station can be queried for a response to the request. In decision block 330, if a response to the request can be located in the local cache memory, in block 340, the response can be returned to the end user device. Otherwise, in block 350, a response to the request can be retrieved from a content provider on the internet by means of a CN and a corresponding RNC and finally back to the base station.

In decision block 360, it can be determined whether the response is cacheable or not (for example, whether a content filter would prevent caching of the response or not). If not, in block 340, the response can be returned to the end user device. Otherwise, in block 370 the response can be placed in the local cache memory of the base station and in block 380 the size of the response can be calculated (and optionally of the request that leads to the response). After this, in block 390, a remote load service in the RNC can be invoked by means of an interface to the remote load service with an identity of the requesting end user device and the response size and optionally an identification of the response and size of the request. Finally, in block 340, the response can be returned to the end user devices.

It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that aspects of the present invention can be implemented as a computer program, system or product method. Thus, aspects of the present invention can take the form of a modality entirely of physical elements, a mode entirely of programming elements (including fixed elements, resident programming elements, micro codes, etc.) or a modality that combines aspects of elements of programming and physical elements that can all in general be referred to as a "circuit", "module" or "system". In addition, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product implemented in one or more computer-readable media having computer-readable program codes implemented therein.

Any combination of one or more media that can be read by computer can be used. The medium that can be read by computer can be a signal medium that can be read by computer or a storage medium that can be read by computer. A means that can be read by computer can be for example, but not limited to, a system, apparatus or device, electronic, magnetic, electromagnetic, infrared or semiconductor or any appropriate combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of storage media that can be read by computer would include the following: an electrical connection that has one or more wires or lines, a floppy disk that can be read by laptop, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact read-only disk (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device or any appropriate combination of the above. In the context of this document, a computer-readable storage medium can be any tangible medium that a program can contain or store for use by or in connection with an instruction, device or device execution system.

A signal means that can be read by computer can include a propagated data signal with program codes that can be read by computer implemented in it, for example in a base band or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal can take any of a variety of forms, including but not limited to optics or any appropriate combination thereof. A signal means that can be read by computer can be any means that can be read by computer that is not a storage medium that can be read by computer and that can communicate, propagate or transport a program for use by or in connection with a system, apparatus or instruction execution device.

Program codes implemented in a computer readable medium can be transmitted using any appropriate means, including but not limited to wireless, cabling, fiber optic cable, radio frequency and the like or any of the foregoing. Computer program codes for carrying out operations for aspects of the present invention may be written in any combination in one or more programming languages, including an object-oriented programming language or conventional procedural programming languages. The program codes can be executed completely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer as a package of autonomous programming elements, partially on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or completely on the computer or remote server. In the last scenario, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN) or the connection can be made to a external computer (via internet using the internet service provider).

Aspects of the present invention have been described above with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, methods, apparatuses (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the flow diagram and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality and operation of possible implementations of computer program systems, methods and products according to various embodiments of the present invention. For example, each block in the flow chart or block diagram may represent a module, segment or portion of codes comprising one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function (s). It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions indicated in the block may occur outside the order indicated in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustration and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by systems based on physical elements of special purpose that perform specified functions or acts or combinations of physical elements of special purpose and computer instructions.

It will also be understood that each block of the flow chart illustrations and / or block diagrams and combinations of blocks in the flow diagram illustrations and / or block diagrams may be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a general purpose computer processor, a special purpose computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which are executed via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means to implement the functions / acts specified in the flow diagram and / or blocks of the block diagram.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable medium that can be directed to a computer, another programmable data processing device or other devices to operate in a particular manner, such that stored instructions in the medium that can be read by computer they produce a manufacturing article that includes instructions that implement the instruction / act specified in the flow diagram and / or block or blocks of the block diagram. The instructions of the computer program may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable devices, or other devices to produce a computer-implemented process. , in such a way, that the instructions when executed in the computer or other programmable device provide processes to implement the functions / acts specified in the flow diagram and / or block or blocks of the block diagram.

Finally, the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "one," "an," and "the" are intended to include plural forms as well, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It will further be understood that, the terms "comprises" and "comprising", when used in this specification, specify the presence of the asserted elements, integers, stages, operations, elements and / or components but do not prevent the presence of one or more than other elements, integers, stages, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts and equivalents of all the means or steps plus elements of function in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material or act to perform the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, however it is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the disclosed form. Many modifications and variations will be evident to those of ordinary skill in the art without deviating from the scope and spirit of the invention. The modality was chosen and described in order to better explain the principles of the invention and the practical application and to allow others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various modalities with various modifications as appropriate to the particular use contemplated.

Having thus described the invention of the present application in detail and by reference to modalities thereof, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims as follows:

Claims

1. A method for caching content with remote load services in a radio access network, RAN, the method is characterized in that it comprises: receiving a request for data from an end-user device in a base station of a RAN; routing the request to a packet-switched data communications network from the base station by means of a central network disposed between the RAN and the data communications network; receive a response to the request at the base station; cache the response in a local cache memory of the base station and send the response to the end user device and transmit characteristic data of the response to a remote load service external to the base station but within the RAN.

2. The method of claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: determine whether a response to the request already resides in the local cache and perform routing, reception, caching, and transmission only if a response to the request is already stored in the local cache, but service the request with a response in the local cache memory instead of routing, receiving, storing and cache and transmission if the response to the request is already stored in the local cache.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transmission of data characteristic of the response to a remote load service external to the base station but within the RAN, comprises transmitting the response size to an external remote load service to the base station but within the RAN.

4. The method of claim 3, characterized in that the transmission of data characteristic of the response to a remote load service external to the base station but within the RAN further comprises transmitting the size of the request to a remote load service external to the base station but within the RAN.

5. The method of any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmission of data characteristic of the response to a remote charging service to the base station but within the RAN comprises: batch execution of the characteristic data of the response with other data characteristic of other responses to other requests of other end-user devices communicating with the base station and transmit the data in batches to the remote loading service.

6. The method of any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmission of data characteristic of the response to a remote charging service to the base station but within the RAN comprises transmitting characteristic data of the response to a remote charging service that is executed in a computer of a radio network controller, RNC, coupled to the base station in the RAN.

7. The method of any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the RAN is arranged in a packet-switched cellular communications system.

8. A data processing system based on a radio access network, RAN, configured for caching of content with remote loading services, the system is characterized in that it comprises: a base station comprising an antenna, a receiver, a transmitter, a processor, a local cache memory and a network interface to a data communications network; a radio network controller, RNC, coupled to the base station over the data communications network; a load service that runs in memory of a host computer that registers charges for data services provided in the RAN and a cache memory storage with remote loading module that is executed by the processor of the base station, the module includes: means for receiving a data request from an end user device; means for routing the request to a content server to a computer communications network by means of a central network (CN) coupled; means to receive a response to the request; means to cache the response in the local cache memory; means for sending the response to the end user device; means for transmitting characteristic data responsive to the external load service.

9. The system of claim 8, characterized in that the host computer is coupled to the RNC.

10. The system of claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the data communications network that is coupled to the RNC to the base station is an internet protocol (IP) network.

11. The system of claim 8, characterized in that the data communications network that couples the RNC to the base station is an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network.

12. A computer program for caching content with remote loading services in a radio access network, RAN, the program product is characterized in that it comprises: a storage medium that can be read by computer that can be read by a processing circuit and storing instructions for execution by the processing circuit to perform the method of any of claims 1 to 7.

13. A computer program stored in a medium that can be read by computer and that can be loaded into the internal memory of a digital computer, characterized in that it comprises portions of codes of programming elements, when said program is executed on a computer, to effect the method of any of claims 1 to 7.