Hierarchical Device type Recognition, Caching Control & Enhanced CDN communication in a Wireless Mobile Network

The present disclosure describes an apparatus and method for recognizing the mobile device type by information monitored from multiple means, such as by transparently monitoring Control Plane protocols, and monitoring user plane protocols (for example user agent header in HTTP protocols), and using such information for controlling data-caching operations, selectively delivering content, and selecting alternative interfaces/networks when available. Additionally, the invention discloses methods to propagate the learned information through header enrichment to external devices, such as content servers or CDN devices. The apparatus and methods are applicable to an application/content-aware caching device in a wireless mobile network that operates as an inline transparent device intercepting control plane and user plane protocols.