GGSN APN Correction for GPRS Configuration Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to automatically detect and correct GPRS configuration changes or deletions on devices, such as those occurring by accident or after a repair/firmware upgrade, leading to potential service disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a Gateway GPRS Support Node to detect and correct GPRS configurations by inserting a default Access Point Name (APN) in PDP context activation requests, sending RADIUS Accounting requests to a Device Management System, and using OMA DM or OMA CP protocols to ensure accurate configuration settings are applied to user equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If OMA CP protocol is used for device configuration, then configuration can be sent to the device, but it cannot be confirmed if the service settings have been accepted by the subscriber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the device send back a PDP context activation response to the network. This response contains information about whether the configuration was successfully applied, allowing the network to confirm acceptance of service settings. The feedback loop closes the information gap created by one-way OMA CP configuration delivery.
2Productivity
If existing detection methods are used, then new subscriber/device combinations can be detected, but changes or deletions of GPRS settings by subscribers cannot be automatically detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous monitoring by intercepting PDP context activation requests at every occurrence, not just during initial device detection. Each time a device attempts to activate a PDP context, the network checks whether the APN matches the expected value from HLR. This continuous action ensures configuration changes or deletions are detected whenever they occur, maintaining ongoing configuration integrity.
3Ease of operation
If manual configuration correction is used, then devices with incorrect GPRS configuration can be fixed, but automatic detection and correction cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the network to automatically detect configuration errors and trigger reconfiguration without human intervention. When a PDP context activation request contains an incorrect or missing APN, the network automatically initiates OMA DM/CP procedures to send the correct configuration to the device. This automates the entire detection-correction cycle that previously required manual operator intervention.
4Reliability
If OMA DM protocol is used for device configuration, then it can be confirmed that service settings have been accepted, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using OMA DM only when necessary - specifically when PDP context activation fails or when configuration correction is needed. For normal operations where the device already has correct configuration, the simpler path is taken without invoking OMA DM. This selective application reduces the overall complexity burden while maintaining reliability where needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
A User Equipment UE (110) sends a PDP context activation request with an invalid APN to an SGSN (120). When detecting an invalid APN the SGSN creates a PDP context activation request towards a GGSN (130) and inserts a default APN. The GGSN detects the default APN and sends a RADIUS Accounting request message to a Device Management System DMS (140). The DMS initiates a device management configuration flow towards the UE using IP over the existing PDP context or an SMS bearer and responds with a RADIUS Accounting response message to the GGSN. When the RADIUS Accounting response message is received the GGSN will initiate a successful Create PDP context response towards the SGSN causing a successful PDP Context Activation Response towards the UE. An advantage of the invention is that it can detect devices having no GPRS configuration and devices having a faulty GPRS configuration.