Centralized FMC Device Provisioning System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for procuring and provisioning Fixed-Mobile Converged (FMC) devices capable of both wireless local area network (WiLAN) and wireless wide area network (WiWAN) services are complex, time-consuming, and expensive, placing a significant burden on telecom and IT departments, hindering large-scale deployment.

Innovation Solution

A centralized system and method for procuring and provisioning FMC devices, utilizing a provisioning management device with a processor, memory, and network interface to coordinate requests for multiple services, simplifying the process by allowing simultaneous provisioning for WiWAN and WiLAN services at the point of device procurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If current separate provisioning methods are used for WiWAN and WiLAN services, then service coverage is ensured, but procurement complexity increases and provisioning time extends

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice coverageVSAvoidprocurement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate WiWAN and WiLAN provisioning processes into a unified procurement workflow. A single device order triggers coordinated provisioning across both service networks simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate procurement procedures and reducing administrative complexity while maintaining comprehensive service coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The provisioning system is designed to handle multiple service types (WiWAN, WiLAN, and their convergence) through a universal interface and standardized process flow. This multi-functional approach allows the same procurement mechanism to provision various service combinations without requiring separate specialized procedures for each service type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If current sequential provisioning processes are used, then service reliability is maintained, but provisioning duration increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice reliabilityVSAvoidprovisioning duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary compatibility verification and service validation during the initial device ordering phase, before actual provisioning begins. By pre-checking device capabilities, service availability, and network compatibility, the system prevents provisioning failures and rework, ensuring reliability while reducing overall provisioning time through early problem detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The provisioning process maintains continuous operation across both WiWAN and WiLAN service activations simultaneously, rather than completing one service provisioning before starting the other. Parallel processing of provisioning tasks for multiple services reduces total provisioning duration while maintaining service reliability through coordinated execution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If multiple separate provisioning steps are implemented, then service quality is ensured, but operational burden increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice qualityVSAvoidoperational burden
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements automated self-provisioning capabilities where the provisioning management device automatically coordinates service activation, configuration synchronization, and network registration without requiring manual intervention at each step. This automation maintains service quality through systematic process execution while significantly reducing the operational burden on users and administrators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a provisioning management device as an intermediary that coordinates between device procurement, service activation, and network configuration. This intermediary automatically manages the complex interactions between multiple provisioning systems, ensuring service quality through standardized procedures while shielding users from operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If traditional procurement workflows are used, then service completeness is achieved, but deployment efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice completenessVSAvoiddeployment efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The provisioning process is segmented into distinct modular stages: device ordering, coordinated provisioning trigger, parallel service activation, and unified completion confirmation. This segmentation allows each stage to be independently optimized and executed efficiently while ensuring all necessary provisioning steps are completed, maintaining service completeness without the inefficiency of monolithic workflows.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS7844263B2Provisioning a user device for multiple services
Publication Date: 2010.11.30 TANGOE US INC
  • US7844263B2 patent drawing
  • US7844263B2 patent drawing
  • US7844263B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods for provisioning an electronic device for multiple services are disclosed herein. An exemplary embodiment, among others, of a provisioning method includes receiving a first request to procure a user device capable of operating under a plurality of service plans. The method also includes receiving a second request to provision the user device for operation under a first service plan and receiving a third request to provision the user device for operation under a second service plan. Also, the method includes coordinating the first request, second request, and third request to provision the user device under the first service plan and second service plan.