Device-Assisted Service Usage Measurement for Encrypted Traffic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network-based service usage measurement and billing systems are inadequate for modern digital devices, particularly in wireless networks, as they struggle to accurately measure and bill for complex service usage patterns, such as encrypted traffic and multi-device scenarios, without requiring significant upgrades to existing infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a device-assisted service usage measurement and billing system that generates, aggregates, and mediates Charging Data Records (CDRs) using device-based measures, which can supplement or replace network-based measures, allowing for more flexible and accurate service usage tracking and billing, including support for encrypted traffic and multi-device scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If network-based service usage measurement and billing systems are used, then existing infrastructure can be maintained, but measurement precision and adaptability for complex service usage patterns deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the service usage measurement function by introducing device-based measurement capabilities that work in conjunction with network-based measurement. The device-generated CDRs handle complex service usage patterns (encrypted traffic, multi-device scenarios) while network CDRs handle traditional measurements, dividing the measurement task between device and network components to improve precision without overwhelming the network infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where device-based CDR generation acts as a bridge between the device and network billing systems. This intermediary captures detailed service usage information at the device level and translates it into billing-relevant CDRs, enabling precise measurement of complex usage patterns without requiring the network infrastructure to directly analyze encrypted or multi-device traffic patterns.
2Adaptability or versatility
If network-based CDR generation is used, then infrastructure upgrades are minimized, but adaptability to encrypted traffic and multi-device scenarios deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling devices to autonomously generate their own CDRs for service usage measurement. The device-based system automatically captures usage information for encrypted traffic and multi-device scenarios without requiring network intervention, allowing the device to serve its own measurement needs while maintaining compatibility with existing network billing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds another dimension to CDR generation by introducing device-based CDR creation as a complementary layer to traditional network-based CDR generation. This dimensional addition enables the system to handle encrypted traffic and multi-device scenarios at the device level while the network continues to operate with its existing infrastructure, effectively solving adaptability problems without increasing network complexity.
3Measurement precision
If device-assisted CDR generation is implemented, then service usage measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the device-based CDR generation mechanism to perform multiple functions: capturing service usage information, generating billing records, and supporting various service types (encrypted traffic, multi-device scenarios) through a single unified approach. This multi-functional design improves measurement precision across different service types without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Enhanced roaming services and converged networks with device assisted services and a proxy is provided. In some embodiments, enhanced roaming services and converged networks with device assisted services and a proxy includes collecting device generated service usage information for one or more devices in wireless communication on the wireless network; and providing the device generated service usage information in a syntax and a communication protocol that can be used by other network devices to augment or replace network generated service usage information for the one or more devices in wireless communication on the wireless network.