GSM Proxy for Dynamic MSISDN Association
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current GSM networks do not efficiently support multi-line services with dynamic MSISDN association, limiting the ability to manage multiple phone numbers and subscriptions on a single mobile device.
Innovation Solution
A proxy is introduced into the GSM network to enable multi-line services by associating multiple MSISDNs with a single IMSI, using a database to manage active and inactive MSISDNs, and allowing user selection of enabled numbers for calls, with the proxy emulating HLR and MSC/VLR functions to facilitate dynamic updates and call routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dual SIM phone is used to enable multi-line services, then multiple phone numbers can be supported, but the device complexity and management overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a proxy entity in the network that acts as an intermediary between the mobile device and the HLR/MSC/VLR. This proxy manages the association between a single IMSI and multiple MSISDNs, allowing multi-line services without requiring dual SIM hardware. The proxy receives registration requests, determines the currently enabled MSISDN, and communicates with the HLR to maintain the dynamic association, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving multi-line capability.
2Productivity
If multiple MSISDNs are associated with a single IMSI dynamically, then call routing efficiency improves, but the network system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the proxy pre-establish and maintain the association between the IMSI and multiple MSISDNs in a database before call routing is needed. The proxy also pre-determines which MSISDN is currently enabled and stores this information. When a call arrives, the proxy can quickly retrieve the routing information without real-time complex computations, thereby improving call routing efficiency while managing network complexity through advance preparation.
3Ease of operation
If traditional GSM registration is used, then network registration is simple, but multi-line service management is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the proxy entity multi-functional by having it perform multiple roles: it acts as an HLR to store and manage the IMSI-MSISDN associations, functions as an MSC/VLR to handle call routing and registration, and serves as a database manager for the multi-line service subscriptions. This universal entity consolidates multiple network functions into one component, enabling multi-line service support while maintaining relatively simple registration procedures for the mobile device.
Data Source
AI summary
A network device receives a location update message from a mobile network switch. The location update message indicates that a mobile device is registered with the mobile network switch. The location update message includes an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) associated with the mobile device. The network device determines, based at least on the IMSI, a plurality of MSISDNs associated with the mobile device, including a first MSISDN that is enabled for calling and a second MSISDN that is not enabled for calling. The network device transmits, in response to the location update message, subscriber data to a database associated with the mobile network switch, which associates the IMSI with the first MSISDN.