Dynamic Network Access Pricing for Capacity Monetization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network resource management models fail to effectively monetize network capacity due to peak traffic patterns, leading to idle resources during non-peak periods, as users are not sensitive to network loading levels and bandwidth consumption is not optimized.
Innovation Solution
A market system that dynamically prices network access based on contemporaneous network conditions, service levels, and congestion levels, allowing third-party access purchasers to buy network access as a commodity, with pricing adjusted according to eNB cell congestion, quality of service, and other factors, using APIs for automated purchase decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network capacity is expanded to handle peak traffic, then service reliability is improved, but resource utilization deteriorates due to idle capacity during non-peak periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic pricing that adjusts network access costs based on real-time network conditions and demand levels. During peak periods, higher prices discourage non-essential traffic while maintaining service reliability. During non-peak periods, lower prices incentivize traffic generation, improving resource utilization. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the system to maintain reliable service while optimizing resource usage across different time periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pricing parameter dynamically based on network load conditions, service levels, and demand characteristics. By adjusting the price parameter in response to changing network states, the system resolves the contradiction between maintaining service reliability and optimizing resource utilization across varying traffic patterns.
2Ease of operation
If fixed monthly usage allowances are provided, then user convenience is improved, but network loading sensitivity deteriorates as users consume bandwidth independent of network conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static fixed-allowance plans to dynamic pricing models that automatically adjust based on network conditions. Users benefit from maintained convenience as the system handles price adjustments automatically, while the network gains loading sensitivity as higher prices during congestion naturally discourage excessive bandwidth consumption without requiring user awareness or action.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where network load conditions are continuously monitored and automatically reflected in pricing adjustments. This feedback mechanism creates network loading sensitivity while preserving user convenience, as users experience the effects of network conditions through automated price signals rather than needing to manually adjust their behavior.
3Productivity
If third-party access purchasers are enabled, then revenue opportunities are improved, but system complexity deteriorates due to multiple stakeholders and pricing factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary access marketplace that mediates between network providers and third-party access purchasers. This marketplace layer handles the complexity of dynamic pricing, service level agreements, and transaction management, allowing revenue opportunities to be captured while isolating the underlying system complexity within the marketplace infrastructure rather than propagating it throughout the entire network ecosystem.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system, method and apparatus for vending network access by determining access pricing or tariffs for one or more of a plurality of network access regions using one or more of an eNB cell congestion level, an eNB congestion level, a quality of service level, an access technology, a level of activity by a target subscriber and the like. The access pricing is offered to potential access purchasers along with optional metadata indicative of, illustratively, user equipment and network parameters associated with the cell or eNB. The pricing may be offered via an API to allow automatic purchase decisions by access purchasers.