Centralized Communication Policy Management for Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for managing communications policy settings in wireless networks are inadequate in blocking unwanted calls, as they require manual updates, can only block a limited number of numbers, and are easily bypassed by callers using new numbers.
Innovation Solution
A method for processing communications in a voice telephony network that maintains a central communication policy and a local policy on subscriber devices, allowing users to mark and update originator identifiers to block calls, with synchronization across devices to ensure consistent blocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a manual blocking list is maintained by each subscriber, then the system is simple to implement, but it requires manual updates and can only block a limited number of numbers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges individual subscriber blocking lists into a single centralized blocking list maintained by the network server. This allows the system to block a large number of numbers without requiring each subscriber to manually maintain their own list, thereby resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The network server acts as an intermediary between callers and subscribers. Instead of subscribers manually managing blocking lists, the server automatically checks incoming calls against the centralized blocking list and diverts blocked calls accordingly, eliminating manual update requirements while maintaining system simplicity.
2Quantity of substance
If only a small number of calling numbers can be blocked, then the blocking list remains manageable, but callers can easily bypass by using new numbers
Solution Approach 1:
By merging blocking lists into a single centralized structure at the network server, the system can manage and block a large quantity of numbers effectively. The server maintains a comprehensive blocking list that can accommodate numerous phone numbers, preventing callers from bypassing by using new numbers.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized blocking list is continuously updated and maintained by the network server, ensuring that new blocked numbers are immediately added to the list. This continuous maintenance ensures reliable blocking effectiveness even as the number of blocked numbers increases.
3Ease of operation
If calls are diverted to voice mail, then the blocking mechanism is simple, but it verifies the existence of the phone number to the caller
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the blocking decision logic from the voice mail system and places it at the network server level. Calls are blocked and diverted before reaching the subscriber's voice mail, thereby preventing the verification of phone number existence while maintaining the simplicity of the blocking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The network server serves as an intermediary that intercepts blocked calls before they reach the subscriber's voice mail system. This intermediary position allows the server to divert calls without allowing the caller to verify the number's existence through voice mail responses.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a system and method of modifying policy settings in a network having a plurality of subscriber devices. An embodiment includes a plurality of base stations, each capable of wirelessly transmitting across a geographic region and a server. A cell-phone, capable of roaming between regions, is operable to establish a wireless link with the base stations and through the base stations, with the server. The network contains a communication policy determining from which other communication devices a subscriber device can receive voice calls. The communication policy is updated, by the server, based on requests from the subscriber devices. Once a request is received from a subscriber device, the determination whether to update the communication policy can be based on a record of rejections respective to the caller requested to be blocked. Alternatively, the communication policy can be updated according to a trust policy maintained on the server respective to the subscriber device making the request; the trust policy represents the procedure to follow when a request is received from that subscriber device.