Dynamic Accounting Mode Switching in WiMAX Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current WiMAX accounting systems force subscribers to choose between prepaid and postpaid modes, leading to inconvenience and increased carrier costs due to the inability to switch between modes without re-registering, resulting in service interruptions and dissatisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A method and device allowing subscribers to select and switch between prepaid and postpaid accounting modes dynamically, enabling seamless transitions from prepaid to postpaid without interrupting communication services when the account balance is depleted, using an access service network gateway and AAA server to manage the switch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prepaid accounting mode is used, then the carrier does not take a risk of nonpayment and the service accounting rate is low, but the carrier suspends the communication service when the deposit is depleted causing economic loss to the subscriber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges prepaid and postpaid accounting modes into a unified accounting system. The network gateway device integrates both accounting mode management functions, allowing subscribers to switch between prepaid and postpaid modes without leaving the system. This integration enables seamless transition that maintains service continuity while preserving payment security benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic accounting mode switching where subscribers can transition between prepaid and postpaid modes based on their needs. The system dynamically adjusts the accounting mode during service usage, allowing subscribers to switch from prepaid to postpaid when they anticipate needing continuous service, thus maintaining both payment security and service continuity.
2Ease of operation
If postpaid accounting mode is used, then the subscriber does not need to pay attention to account balance and service continuity is maintained, but the carrier takes a high risk of nonpayment and the charge rate is higher
Solution Approach 1:
The unified accounting system combines postpaid's service continuity advantage with prepaid's payment security advantage. By integrating both modes in one system, subscribers can enjoy uninterrupted service like postpaid while having the option to switch to prepaid mode when they want to maintain payment security and lower charges.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the accounting mode parameter dynamically based on subscriber needs. Subscribers can switch the accounting mode parameter between prepaid and postpaid, allowing them to adjust between payment security and service continuity benefits as situations change.
3Reliability
If the accounting system for prepaid accounting and postpaid accounting are independent, then each mode can be optimized for its specific subscriber group, but the subscriber needs to register a modification with the carrier to switch accounting modes causing inconvenience and increased manpower cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges previously independent prepaid and postpaid accounting systems into a single unified accounting system. The network gateway device consolidates both accounting mode management capabilities, enabling subscribers to switch between modes through automated system processes rather than requiring carrier intervention, thus maintaining optimization while improving convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified accounting system enables self-service mode switching where subscribers can transition between prepaid and postpaid modes automatically through the system without requiring carrier registration or manual processing. This eliminates the need for carrier manpower intervention while maintaining the optimized accounting mode structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for selecting an accounting mode, a method for switching an accounting mode, and a device therefor. The method for switching an accounting mode includes: notifying a prepaid accounting server to establish a session; assigning an accounting quota of the session to the prepaid client; notifying the prepaid accounting server that the accounting quota of the session is depleted, and notifying the prepaid client to stop the prepaid accounting; keeping the session established and notifying an AAA server to start a postpaid accounting.