Device-Type Steering Logic for Roaming Bandwidth Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current steering methods for mobile devices during roaming face challenges in optimizing bandwidth management across multiple networks, especially with the proliferation of IoT devices, due to difficulties in accurately selecting the best network and maintaining compatibility with various handsets.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a home network's steering logic based on the device's capabilities, stored in an Equipment Identity Register, to direct IoT devices, VoLTE devices, and non-VoLTE devices to specific foreign network partners, optimizing roaming agreements and bandwidth allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If network-based steering is used to dynamically manage roaming, then bandwidth optimization for subscribers is improved, but accuracy for selecting a desired network deteriorates when there are three or more operator partners in the same area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the steering logic into two parts: device-type-specific steering rules stored in the Equipment Identity Register and dynamic network conditions evaluated by the MME. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple operator partners efficiently by matching device types to appropriate networks based on both static capabilities and dynamic conditions, resolving the contradiction between bandwidth optimization and selection accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If SIM-based steering with a preferred network list is used, then ease of maintenance is improved, but differences between handsets make it difficult to service all available handset types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal steering mechanism in the Equipment Identity Register that stores device-type-specific rules applicable to all handsets. Instead of maintaining separate preferred network lists for each handset type, the system uses a single multi-functional database that adapts to different device types (IoT, VoLTE, non-VoLTE), resolving the contradiction between maintenance ease and handset compatibility.
3Reliability
If traditional steering methods are used, then existing network compatibility is maintained, but the ability to optimize roaming agreements for specific device types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by storing device-type-specific steering rules in the Equipment Identity Register, where each device type (IoT, VoLTE, non-VoLTE) has its own tailored steering rules. This allows the system to maintain general network compatibility while simultaneously optimizing roaming agreements for specific device types, resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Steering logic from a home network may allow a subscriber to roam toward a preferred foreign network while the subscriber is roaming from the home network to the foreign network. The steering logic may be built around the capability of the device or its information in various registers or other information that indicates which networks are preferred for the device. This logic may be part of a roaming agreement that is negotiated between a home MNO and foreign MNOs. In this manner, loT devices may be steered to a specific network or first foreign network provider, voice-over-long-term-evolution (VoLTE) devices may be steered to a second foreign network partner, and non-VoLTE devices may be steered to a third foreign network partner. In this way, a network operator may preserve their network bandwidth for devices that require or may use particular network technologies while others do not.