Client-Initiated Network Provisioning via Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Service providers and device manufacturers face challenges in provisioning devices for network access when traditional network-initiated methods are not possible, such as in retail-purchased devices or Machine to Machine (M2M) devices lacking prior network configuration or access to provisioning servers.
Innovation Solution
A client-initiated provisioning method that determines a client-based trigger for requesting network access, generates a provisioning request, and processes network provisioning information using Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) Device Management standards and network-specific protocols to connect with a provisioning server for registration and configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional network-initiated provisioning methods are used, then provisioning can be performed with preconfigured information, but devices lacking prior network configuration or access to provisioning servers cannot be provisioned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional provisioning initiation model by enabling the client device to initiate the provisioning request instead of the network server. This is achieved through the provisioning manager detecting available networks and autonomously generating provisioning requests, allowing devices without preconfiguration to access provisioning services.
Solution Approach 2:
The client device performs self-provisioning by automatically detecting available networks, generating provisioning requests, and completing registration without requiring external assistance from PC-assisted provisioning or preconfigured network information. The device serves itself in the provisioning process.
2Ease of operation
If PC-assisted provisioning is used, then devices can be provisioned with network information, but the process becomes complex and resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The provisioning manager enables devices to perform self-provisioning by automatically detecting available networks, generating provisioning requests, and completing registration without requiring external PC assistance. This eliminates the complexity and resource burden of PC-assisted provisioning while maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If network-initiated provisioning is used, then provisioning information can be pushed to devices, but devices without prior network access cannot receive provisioning information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reverses the information delivery model by having the client device actively seek and retrieve provisioning information from available networks rather than having the network push information to the device. This enables devices without prior network access to obtain provisioning information autonomously.
Data Source
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AI summary
An approach is presented for client initiated provisioning. A provisioning manager determines a client-based trigger for requesting a provisioning of a client device to access a network. The provisioning manager processes and/or facilitates a processing of the client-based trigger to generate a provisioning request, and then causes, at least in part, transmission of the provisioning request to a provisioning server associated with the network. The provisioning manager receives provisioning information from the provisioning server for processing to gain access to the network.