M2M Mobile Location Register Module for Network Resource Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cellular communication networks face challenges in efficiently managing machine-to-machine (M2M) communications due to limitations in public subscriber phone number allocation, resource optimization, and billing paradigms, particularly in scenarios where M2M devices require frequent and short data transmissions, leading to unnecessary resource usage and billing inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A modular solution that integrates a Home Location Register (HLR), Authentication Center (AuC), and Short Message Service Center (SMSC) into a single physical structure, known as the Mobile Location Register (MLR), which provides temporary public subscriber phone numbers, manages private device identifiers, and optimizes billing by creating aggregated call data records for M2M devices, thereby reducing resource usage and improving billing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a public subscriber phone number MSISDN is allocated to each measuring mobile terminal for M2M communication, then the terminal can be addressed and receive messages through the cellular network, but the limited number of available MSISDN numbers is exhausted and resource efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the addressing function by introducing a two-level identification system: a limited set of group MSISDN numbers for message routing and device-specific identifiers (IMEI, serial numbers) for individual device identification. This segmentation allows multiple devices to share group numbers while maintaining individual addressability without requiring unique MSISDN for each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the MSISDN number serve multiple functions: it acts as both a group identification number for message routing and, when combined with device-specific identifiers, as an individual device address. This multi-functionality allows the limited MSISDN resource to address both the message destination (group) and the specific recipient device within that group.
2Ease of manufacture
If billing is based on call duration and data volume for M2M devices, then traditional phone call billing paradigms can be used, but inefficiency occurs because M2M devices transmit small data volumes periodically rather than continuous long-duration calls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the billing parameters from time-based (call duration) and volume-based (data amount) to connection-based (number of connection establishments). Since M2M devices periodically connect to transmit small data packets, billing by connection count accurately reflects resource usage without the inefficiencies of time-based billing where devices pay for connection maintenance during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent treats each M2M communication session as a discrete, short-lived event that can be independently billed. Rather than charging for the entire connection duration, the system bills for individual communication transactions, allowing devices to connect briefly for data transmission and disconnect without incurring ongoing charges, similar to disposable resources that are used and discarded.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cellular network resources like HLR, SMSC, and AUC are delocalized across different locations and proprietors, then network flexibility and distribution are improved, but optimization of inter-operation for specific M2M applications becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the HLR, SMSC, and AUC functions into a unified M2M service platform that can be deployed as a modular system. This consolidation allows these delocalized resources to work together efficiently for M2M applications while maintaining the flexibility to be deployed in various configurations (cloud-based, on-premises, or hybrid), optimizing inter-operation without sacrificing distribution benefits.
Data Source
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AI summary
A module (MLR) comprising a home location register (HLR), an authentication center (AuC) and a short message service center (SMSC) embedded in a single physical structure forming at least in part the module (MLR) is provided; said module (MLR) is connected through at least a mobile switching center (MSC) of a cellular communication network to at least a measuring mobile terminal (MMT) as well as to at least a machine to machine application (M2MA), the short message service center (SMSC) being comnfigured to transmit a message towards a measuring mobile terminal (MMT), the home location register (HLR) being configured to, in response to a demand from the short message service center (SMSC) regarding a given measuring mobile terminal (MMT) to provide the short message service center (SMASC) with an address of the mobile switching center (MSC) through which said measuring mobile terminal (MMT) is connected to the cellular communication network, the authentication center (AuC) being configured to authenticate a given measuring mobile terminal (MMT) and the module (MLR) being configured to create a gathered billing call data record (CDR) for several connections of a same measuring mobile terminal (MMT) or of a group of measuring mobile terminals (MMT), gathered based on a time duration or based on transmitted data volume.