Dynamic Service Bearer Selection via Policy-Driven Network Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile devices inefficiently manage network bearers, often remaining on slower connections when faster alternatives become available, leading to resource inefficiencies for both users and service providers due to manual user-initiated switching processes.
Innovation Solution
A system that automatically selects an appropriate service bearer based on policies set by the service provider and user, using a policy document that governs bearer selection, with a policy handler module to monitor available networks and switch connections accordingly, prioritizing faster networks and adhering to service plan and user preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual user-initiated bearer selection is used, then user control over network selection is maintained, but network resource efficiency deteriorates due to delayed switching when faster networks become available
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic bearer selection where the mobile device autonomously monitors available networks and switches bearers based on network conditions and service policies, eliminating the need for manual user intervention while optimizing network resource usage
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors network availability and performance metrics, using this feedback to dynamically adjust bearer selection and switching decisions, ensuring optimal network resource efficiency while maintaining service quality
2Productivity
If automatic bearer selection is implemented, then network resource efficiency improves through dynamic switching, but user control and manual selection capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic bearer selection that adapts to changing network conditions in real-time, allowing the mobile device to automatically switch between available networks based on current performance and availability while maintaining user-defined service policies
3Ease of operation
If middle tier subscribers are allowed to use premium networks when available, then user convenience is improved, but service provider resource allocation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of network selection by introducing service plan-based bearer policies that dynamically adjust which networks middle tier subscribers can access based on current network availability and service level agreements, preventing unnecessary consumption of premium network resources
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods that facilitate automatic selection of service bearers in a mobile based on user-initiated policies and service-provider-initiated policies set forth in a policy document are described herein. The mobile device initially receives a policy document from either the mobile device manufacturer or the service provider before the mobile device is provisioned on a communications network. The mobile device user and the service provider may make subsequent changes to the policy document. When a user-initiated policy change conflicts with a service-provider-initiated policy, the user-initiated policy change is disregarded in favor of the service-provider-initiated policy. The mobile device automatically selects an appropriate bearer based at least on the availability of service bearers in the current environment and the policies set forth in the policy document.