Blockchain Consumption Licensing for Network Feature Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional licensing systems for network services are inflexible and inefficient, especially in enterprise networks with shifting needs, as they require upfront purchases and renewal of licenses, which can be expensive and wasteful.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a consumption-based licensing model using blockchain transactions that allows for per-use licensing of network features, enabling dynamic management and tracking of feature usage through feature-specific blockchain transactions, allowing customers to pay only for what they consume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional licensing systems are used, then service providers can manage network features, but the system becomes inflexible and expensive for enterprises with shifting needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic licensing where license quantities are not fixed but can be adjusted based on actual usage. The system continuously monitors feature consumption and automatically updates license allocations, transforming the static licensing model into a dynamic one that adapts to changing enterprise needs in real-time
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic self-service licensing through blockchain-based smart contracts that autonomously manage license allocation and tracking. The enterprise infrastructure itself performs the licensing management without requiring manual intervention from service providers, allowing enterprises to dynamically adjust licenses based on their own usage patterns
2Productivity
If traditional licensing systems are used, then licenses can be assigned to specific devices, but the system becomes inefficient and wasteful
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback loops where the system monitors actual feature usage across the network and automatically adjusts license allocations accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that licenses are dynamically reallocated from underutilized to high-demand areas, eliminating waste and improving overall licensing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically discards unused or excess licenses and recovers them for reallocation to other parts of the network that have higher demand. This continuous recycling of license resources prevents waste and ensures optimal utilization across the entire enterprise infrastructure
3Ease of operation
If consumption-based licensing is implemented, then enterprises can pay only for what they consume, but the system requires blockchain transaction infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the blockchain infrastructure universal by implementing it across all network devices and services. The same blockchain ledger and smart contract mechanisms that enable consumption-based licensing are used simultaneously for security authentication, device identification, and usage tracking, eliminating the need for separate dedicated infrastructure
Data Source
AI summary
Consumption-based licensing of network features based on blockchained transactions includes receiving, at a server having connectivity to a network including a plurality of network devices, a request from a particular network device of the plurality of network devices for a feature that is licensed in the network on a per-use basis. Feature-specific key blockchain elements and a feature-specific template are generated for the feature and at least one message that includes the feature-specific key blockchain elements and the feature-specific template is sent to the particular network device. The message enables the plurality of network devices to generate one or more blockchain transactions related to consumption of the feature when a usage interval associated with the feature expires.