Distributed Zero-Rating Network Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network communication systems face challenges in ensuring proper configuration for zero-rating services, where users are not charged for accessing certain internet content, while preventing unauthorized access to paid content, especially in regions with limited internet access.
Innovation Solution
A network architecture that distributes testing plans from a server system to user devices to monitor and verify the proper configuration of zero-rating services, ensuring that zero-rated content is accessible without charge and non-zero-rated content requires payment, using a model that analyzes baseline data and test results to identify network misconfigurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If centralized server-based testing is used to monitor network configuration, then monitoring accuracy is improved, but system complexity and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized testing function into distributed testing agents deployed on individual user devices. Each agent independently executes testing plans and collects results, eliminating the need for a complex centralized testing infrastructure while maintaining comprehensive monitoring coverage across the network.
Solution Approach 2:
User devices are empowered to self-test their network configuration regarding zero-rating services by executing testing plans locally. The devices autonomously send test requests, analyze responses, and determine whether they are correctly configured for zero-rated content access, reducing reliance on external monitoring infrastructure.
2Reliability
If distributed testing is implemented on user devices, then monitoring coverage is improved, but device resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The testing system implements periodic testing rather than continuous monitoring. Testing agents execute testing plans at scheduled intervals or triggered by specific events (e.g., when accessing zero-rated content), reducing device resource consumption while maintaining adequate monitoring coverage to detect configuration issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing implementation is optimized for each device's capabilities and network context. Testing agents adaptively select and execute appropriate testing plans based on local conditions, device resources, and network characteristics, ensuring efficient resource usage while maintaining comprehensive monitoring coverage.
3Speed
If frequent testing is performed to detect misconfigurations timely, then detection speed is improved, but network traffic overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration validation during network setup or when changes are detected, before actual zero-rating service usage. This preliminary testing identifies potential misconfigurations early, reducing the need for frequent subsequent testing and minimizing network traffic overhead while maintaining timely detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing frequency and intensity are dynamically adjusted based on network conditions, device state, and detected issues. The system increases testing frequency when anomalies are detected or network conditions change, and reduces frequency during stable periods, optimizing the balance between detection speed and network traffic overhead.
Data Source
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AI summary
A server causes a user device configured as a test agent to implement a testing plan for testing a network configuration regarding zero-rating. By causing the test agent to implement the testing plan, the server causes the test agent to send one or more requests to one or more respective predetermined IP addresses. The server receives data indicating results of the one or more requests. The server further uses the data to identify whether the network configuration is potentially misconfigured regarding zero-rating. In response to identifying that the network configuration is potentially misconfigured regarding zero-rating, the server sends a notification of the potential misconfiguration to a network operator.