It is also common to call it a service layer, because it merger so called application servers and a media servers (platforms for difusions of content).
We differ three models of service provision:
- web services inspired by internet and by distributed intelligence
- services based on functions of servers in management layer with centralized intelligence
- Services offered in network mediums of other operators, so called „third parties“ (new type of service providers, which does not have their own infrastructure). For controlled access to services to these operators is used a standardized interface OSA/Parlay, which is provided by operator of previous model.
Service layer provides basic blocks of services, from which operators can make their more complex and more usable service. Examples are function blocks bounded on:
- transmission and routing (for example establishment of channel in network, routing of communication, limiting of communication to selected networks, QoS and others).
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communication and provision of informative content (fe. voice management or multimedia communication, limiting of access to selected types of services, locating of geographich position of user, determination of connection status of user…).
- access and billing (autentification of user, gathering of information about usage of network by that user, bill issuing…).