Blockchain Credit System for NB-IoT Network Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Narrowband Internet-of-Things (NB-IoT) devices require a contract with a mobile network operator for data transmission, making large-scale deployment cumbersome and costly.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a blockchain system to provide credit balances for NB-IoT devices, allowing them to connect to the network without a direct contract, using a public blockchain for billing and credit management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If NB-IoT devices require a contract with mobile network operator for data transmission, then billing and credit management can be controlled, but deployment complexity and cost increase for massive device deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a blockchain-based intermediary system that mediates between NB-IoT devices and mobile network operators. The blockchain stores credit balances and transaction records, acting as a neutral mediator that eliminates the need for direct contractual relationships between devices and operators. This allows devices to be deployed at scale without individual contract management overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses blockchain technology to create a distributed copy of credit balance and transaction data across the network. Instead of maintaining centralized contract records, each participant has access to identical copies of the ledger, ensuring consistency and eliminating the need for complex contract management infrastructure.
2Productivity
If a contract with mobile network operator is required, then billing can be managed centrally, but operational complexity and time for device activation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring devices with blockchain addresses and enabling them to access the network immediately. Credit balances are pre-loaded onto the blockchain, allowing devices to start transmitting data without waiting for contract conclusion and manual billing setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The blockchain system enables self-service billing and credit management. Devices automatically interact with the blockchain to check their credit balances and make payments, eliminating the need for manual contract management and billing processing by network operators.
3Device complexity
If direct contract with mobile network operator is eliminated, then deployment cost and complexity reduce, but billing and credit management mechanisms must be redesigned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of centralized contract management and billing processing with a cryptographic blockchain system. Instead of relying on manual or automated administrative processes, the solution uses cryptographic proofs, distributed consensus, and smart contracts to manage billing and credit automatically.
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to a communication system (100), comprising: a network entity (130) of a communication network (131); at least one communication device (110a-d), in particular a Narrowband Internet-of-Things, NB-loT, communication device, coupled to the communication network (131) via the network entity (130), wherein the at least one communication device (110a-d) is configured to transmit data (133, 134, 135, 136) via the network entity (130) to the communication network (131); a data base (160), in particular a block chain (170), configured to store a code (161b) associated with the at least one communication device (110a-d), wherein the code entitles the at least one communication device (110a-d) to transmit the data (133, 134, 135, 136) to the communication network (131), wherein the network entity (130) is configured to request (132, 161) the data base (160) for the code (161b) of the at least one communication device (110a-d), to check the code with respect to a predefined validation criterion and to enable the at least one communication device (110a-d) to transmit the data (133, 134, 135, 136) via the communication network (131) if the code (161b) is valid, wherein the data base (160) is configured to update the code (161b) based on at least one data transmission (133, 134, 135, 136) of the at least one communication device (110a-d)..