Connectivity Donation Token Management for Data Sponsorship
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack a user-friendly solution for users to conveniently and flexibly sponsor data connectivity to other users, with limitations on location and access networks, which is not addressed in existing technical solutions.
Innovation Solution
A method where a second user terminal indicates willingness to sponsor data connectivity for a first user terminal, with restrictions on location and access networks, using a token transmitted via proximity-based means, such as NFC, to a connectivity donation server, which manages the sponsorship and connectivity rules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user terminal sponsors data connectivity for another user terminal without restrictions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the control over location and network usage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the sponsorship mechanism from a simple binary state (sponsored/not sponsored) to a multi-parameter control system. The sponsorship is governed by specific parameters including geographic location coordinates, access network identifiers, and token validity periods. By changing the sponsorship from an unconditional state to a parameterized state, the system achieves both ease of operation through automated parameter verification and flexibility through configurable parameter sets.
2Reliability
If proximity-based means are used to transmit sponsorship tokens, then the security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an intermediary approach by introducing a proximity-based communication mechanism as a mediator between the sponsoring user terminal and the sponsored user terminal. This intermediary transmission method ensures that token exchange occurs only when devices are physically close, providing security without requiring complex cryptographic protocols. The proximity mechanism itself acts as the security guarantee, simplifying the overall system while maintaining high security standards.
Data Source
AI summary
In a telecommunication network, a method is carried out for assisting a first user terminal (1001) in benefiting from a data connectivity. A second user terminal (1002) indicates (s10), to a connectivity donation server (200), that it is willing to sponsor data connectivity of the first terminal (1001) and that, restriction(s) are imposed on how the sponsored connectivity can be used. The restriction(s) comprise: i) where the first terminal (1001) is to be located for benefiting from the sponsored connectivity; and ii) which access network(s) the first terminal (1001) has to connect to for benefiting from the sponsored connectivity. The connectivity donation server (200) then transmits a token to the second terminal (1002), which in turn transmits (s30) it to the first terminal (1001) using proximity-based means. Terminals, network nodes, and computer programs for use in the above method are also disclosed.