Dynamic Charging Control for Mobile Network Resource Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile telecommunications networks face challenges in managing increased data traffic, leading to service degradation and high operational costs due to hierarchical and expensive architectures, proprietary platforms, and inefficient use of capacity, with existing solutions failing to effectively address network capacity and revenue imbalances.

Innovation Solution

A novel platform is introduced that controls network resources and charging based on performance, location, and data characteristics, allowing for dynamic pricing and optimized data delivery by scheduling data transmission according to profitability and radio conditions, and providing cost quotes for network resources before delivery, enabling intelligent routing and caching to reduce costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If mobile networks carry more data traffic to meet user demand, then user service capability is improved, but operational costs increase and network capacity becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser service capabilityVSAvoidnetwork capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic charging rates that adjust in real-time based on network conditions, user behavior patterns, and resource availability. This allows the network to optimize resource allocation dynamically, enabling more users to access services while maintaining cost efficiency through variable pricing that reflects actual network capacity constraints

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes multiple parameters simultaneously including charging rates, data prioritization levels, and resource allocation weights based on time of day, user profile, network load, and service type. These parameter changes enable the network to accommodate varying traffic demands while managing capacity constraints through intelligent adjustment of operational variables

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If conventional hierarchical network architecture is used, then network control is simplified, but scalability and cost-effectiveness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork controlVSAvoidscalability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network control function into distributed intelligent agents deployed at multiple levels (base stations, access controllers, core network). Each agent handles local decision-making for resource allocation and charging, reducing the burden on centralized hierarchical control while enabling scalable deployment across the network infrastructure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intelligent intermediaries (software agents and controllers) that mediate between the hierarchical control structure and distributed network elements. These intermediaries enable simplified top-down control while coordinating bottom-up resource allocation, achieving both ease of operation and scalability through layered mediation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If flat rate charging for unlimited data is implemented, then user satisfaction is improved, but revenue generation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser satisfactionVSAvoidrevenue generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static flat-rate charging to dynamic parameter-based charging where rates adjust based on network conditions, user behavior, time of day, and service priorities. This maintains user satisfaction through flexible pricing while preventing revenue loss by charging higher rates during peak capacity utilization periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback loops that monitor network usage patterns, capacity utilization, and revenue metrics to continuously adjust charging rates. This feedback mechanism ensures user satisfaction is maintained through responsive pricing while preventing revenue erosion by adapting rates to actual network cost structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Reliability

If data transmission is prioritized without consideration of profitability, then user service quality is improved, but network resource efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser service qualityVSAvoidnetwork resource efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different service quality levels and resource allocation priorities to different users, services, and time periods based on profitability metrics and network conditions. High-value users or services receive preferential treatment with higher reliability guarantees, while lower-priority traffic receives standard service, optimizing overall network resource efficiency while maintaining quality where it matters most

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3748907B1Charging in telecommunications networks
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 VODAFONE IP LICENSING LTD
  • EP3748907B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3748907B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3748907B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A mobile telecommunications network includes a core and a radio access network having radio means for wireless communication with mobile terminals registered with the network, wherein the radio access network includes control means 700 operable to control the use of network resources by the mobile terminals and wherein the control means is further operable to control the charging of mobile terminal users for use of the network resources.