Dynamic APN Allocation for IoT Network Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
IoT devices and other wireless communication devices often require fixed Access Point Names (APNs) for network configuration, which limits flexibility and necessitates widespread updates when changes occur, such as mergers or policy changes within wireless enterprises.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic APN allocation system where an APN allocation server determines an appropriate APN based on the communication policy and endpoint identity, allowing IoT devices to initiate sessions without pre-configured APNs, and dynamically assigns APNs according to changing conditions like event priorities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If fixed Access Point Names (APNs) are configured in wireless communication devices, then network configuration stability is improved, but system adaptability deteriorates when network changes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic APN allocation where the network gateway automatically assigns appropriate APNs to wireless communication devices based on current network conditions, device identity, and service requirements. This replaces the static pre-configured APN approach with a dynamic assignment mechanism that adapts to changing network environments, enterprise policies, and service priorities without requiring manual device reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network gateway as an intermediary component that sits between the wireless communication devices and the core network. This gateway parses device messages, determines device identities, and automatically allocates appropriate APNs based on stored allocation rules and current network conditions. The gateway acts as a mediator that shields devices from network changes while maintaining stable connectivity.
2Device complexity
If pre-configured APNs are used in wireless devices, then device simplicity is improved, but network resource allocation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The network gateway serves as an intermediary that handles the complex APN allocation logic centrally, keeping individual devices simple. The gateway parses device messages, determines device identities, and automatically allocates appropriate APNs based on stored allocation rules and current network conditions, eliminating the need for complex device-side APN management while optimizing network resource utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the network gateway continuously monitors network conditions, device performance, and service requirements to dynamically adjust APN allocations. This feedback loop enables optimal resource distribution based on real-time network state, improving overall network efficiency while maintaining device simplicity.
3Ease of manufacture
If static APN configuration is implemented, then initial setup ease is improved, but flexibility during network events deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic APN allocation where the network gateway automatically assigns appropriate APNs to wireless communication devices based on current network conditions, device identity, and service requirements. This replaces the static pre-configured APN approach with a dynamic assignment mechanism that adapts to changing network environments, enterprise policies, and service priorities without requiring manual device reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where wireless communication devices can initiate connections with default or null APN values, and the network gateway automatically provides the appropriate APN allocation. This self-service mechanism allows devices to operate immediately without complex pre-configuration while the network infrastructure handles the intelligent APN assignment based on real-time conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of data communication service to a wireless communication device, comprising receiving a first communication session initiation message by a communication gateway from a wireless communication device, wherein the first communication session initiation message provides no access point name (APN) or provides a default APN, based on the first communication session initiation message providing no APN or providing a default APN, sending the first communication session initiation message by the communication gateway to an APN allocation server, parsing the first communication session initiation message by the APN allocation server to determine a destination identity of the first communication session initiation message and to determine an identity of the wireless communication device, looking up a communication policy by the APN allocation server, looking up by the APN allocation server an APN associated with the communication policy, sending the APN by the APN allocation server to the wireless communication device.