Device-Assisted Services for Network Capacity Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing demand for network capacity due to the rise of smart devices and high-bandwidth applications is leading to network congestion, resulting in poor performance and capacity crunch in wireless networks, with traditional solutions failing to efficiently manage resource usage and preserve network capacity.

Innovation Solution

Implementing Device Assisted Services (DAS) that include intelligent network monitoring and differential control of network service usage, such as classifying and controlling network access requests, bandwidth usage, and applying service usage control policies to reduce demand on network resources, while providing users with real-time notifications and options to manage their usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If general-purpose Internet devices are deployed to increase user capacity, then device functionality and user access are improved, but network capacity consumption increases and network performance degrades

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidnetwork performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements device-specific network access control policies that tailor bandwidth allocation and service priorities to individual device characteristics, usage patterns, and network conditions. This allows general-purpose devices to access the network while applying localized quality constraints to prevent network degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts network access control policies based on real-time network busy states, device behavior patterns, and service requirements. Policies are modified on-the-fly to balance device functionality with network performance, ensuring reliability even as device versatility increases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Quantity of substance

If network capacity is increased to meet growing digital networking demand, then user bandwidth availability is improved, but service provider costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidservice provider costs
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes network resource allocation parameters dynamically based on device behavior, service type, and network conditions. By adjusting bandwidth allocation, priority levels, and access control parameters in real-time, the system optimizes network capacity utilization to meet demand without proportionally increasing infrastructure costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies selective network access control that allows sufficient bandwidth for essential services while limiting excessive bandwidth consumption by non-critical applications. This partial action approach ensures adequate network capacity for necessary operations without allocating resources for potentially wasteful usage patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If network access control is implemented to protect network capacity, then network performance is improved, but device service accessibility may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork performanceVSAvoiddevice service accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors device network access patterns, service requirements, and network conditions. Based on this feedback, access control policies are automatically adjusted to maintain network performance while ensuring devices retain access to essential services. The feedback loop prevents overly restrictive controls from blocking legitimate device operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables devices to self-regulate their network access behavior by implementing local policies on the device itself. Devices can autonomously adjust their network service usage based on received policy parameters, reducing the need for centralized control while maintaining both network performance and service accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3297232A1Device-assisted services for protecting network capacity
Publication Date: 2018.03.21 HEADWATER RESEARCH LLC
  • EP3297232A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3297232A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3297232A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Device Assisted Services (DAS) for protecting network capacity is provided. In some embodiments, DAS for protecting network capacity includes monitoring a network service usage activity of the communications device in network communication; classifying the network service usage activity for differential network access control for protecting network capacity; and associating the network service usage activity with a network service usage control policy based on a classification of the network service usage activity to facilitate differential network access control for protecting network capacity.