Differential Billing via Access System Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication service providers face challenges in accurately billing subscribers based on the access network used, as existing methods do not differentiate billing rates effectively across various access systems, leading to inefficiencies in charging subscribers for data communication services.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a differential billing system that identifies the access system used by subscribers and applies varying fees based on this identification, utilizing a processor, data storage, and program instructions to measure data traffic and calculate fees accordingly, with mechanisms such as access system identifiers in packet headers to determine the access system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a service provider charges a single fee structure for all access networks, then billing simplicity is maintained, but revenue optimization and cost accuracy are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing access-specific billing rates where different portions of the billing system (CDMA access, WLAN access, etc.) have different fee structures tailored to their specific cost characteristics. The billing differentiator identifies the access type and applies the appropriate rate, making the billing approach locally optimized for each access network while maintaining overall system integration.
2Reliability
If differential billing based on access system is implemented, then revenue optimization and cost accuracy are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a billing differentiator as an intermediary component that sits between the data traffic measurement system and the billing system. This intermediary automatically identifies the access system type (CDMA, WLAN, etc.) and selects the appropriate billing rate, thereby managing the complexity of differential billing without requiring changes to the core billing infrastructure or manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The billing differentiator operates autonomously by automatically detecting the access system type from packet headers or routing information and selecting the corresponding billing rate without human intervention. The system self-configures the appropriate fee structure based on the identified access type, reducing operational complexity while maintaining accurate differential billing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If access system identification mechanisms are added to packets, then billing differentiation capability is enhanced, but data traffic overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by adding access system identification only where necessary - specifically in packet headers or routing information for traffic that requires differential billing. Not all packets require this identification, and the mechanism is applied selectively based on the access type and billing requirements, thereby minimizing overhead while maintaining differentiation capability where needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for differential billing based on the access network through which data traffic flows between a subscriber and a service provider. The service provider may measure the amount of data traffic that flows to and from the subscriber and may determine which access network the traffic flows through on its way between the subscriber and the service provider. Based at least in part on the identity of the access network used, the service provider may determine a fee to charge the subscriber for handling the measured data flow.