Billing Engine for Wireless Data Utilization Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems lack the ability to track data utilization of devices when they are connected to a mobile provider network via a wireless access point, leading to incomplete data exchange tracking.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a second short-range transceiver in wireless communication devices to enable direct communication between devices, forming a short-range network independent of the traditional wireless communication network, allowing for data utilization tracking through a network architecture that includes access points and cloud networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication devices communicate via wireless access points, then network coverage and connectivity are improved, but data utilization tracking capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a billing engine as an intermediary component that mediates between the wireless access point and the service provider. This billing engine captures data utilization information from packets routed through the access point, enabling tracking without disrupting the connectivity function. The intermediary processes accounting information and generates billing records, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining network adaptability and preventing information loss.
2Ease of operation
If traditional wireless communication network architecture is used, then network management simplicity is maintained, but data exchange tracking capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network management function by introducing a dedicated billing engine that operates independently from the access point and service provider components. This segmentation allows the access point to maintain its simple routing function while the billing engine specifically handles data utilization tracking. The accounting information is extracted and processed separately, enabling precise measurement without complicating the overall network management architecture.
3Loss of information
If data tracking is implemented through access points, then data utilization monitoring is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The billing engine is designed as a universal component that can handle multiple functions: capturing accounting information from packets, generating billing records, and interfacing with both access points and service providers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components for each tracking task, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving comprehensive data exchange tracking.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication device associated with a mobile operator network transmits an authentication request for network access via a wireless access point (AP) using a transceiver other than the cellular network transceiver. Device authentication can occur directly with the mobile operator network or via a proxy server. Upon authentication, the requesting device may access a wide area network in a data off-load operational mode and the data flow to and from the device via the AP is monitored and reported to mobile operator network associated with the requesting device. The wireless communication device can communicate with any of a plurality of APs distributed in a venue during the data off-load operational mode.