Task-Specific Metered Bandwidth Control for Mobile Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile broadband service models are inflexible, primarily based on subscription fees and do not account for specific consumer needs, limiting opportunities for new service consumption models and revenue streams for businesses.
Innovation Solution
A system that provides consumers with an 'always hot' connection for free, but restricts access to specific websites and services, allowing businesses to offer session-based network access and revenue-sharing opportunities, decoupling broadband service from traditional usage models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional subscription-based broadband service models are used, then network infrastructure and service provision are maintained, but consumer flexibility and ability to pay for specific needs are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments broadband access into task-specific units (web browsing, social networking, video streaming, etc.), allowing consumers to purchase only the network access they need for specific tasks rather than unlimited general access. This segmentation enables flexible service models while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated metering and control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts network access based on consumer choices and metered usage. The broadband connection transitions from a static subscription model to a dynamic task-based model where access rights and billing are adjusted in real-time based on the specific tasks consumers select and their usage patterns.
2Productivity
If metered bandwidth control is implemented for task-specific access, then new revenue streams and consumer choice are enabled, but network management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated metering and control mechanisms that operate without extensive manual intervention. The network automatically tracks usage by task type, enforces bandwidth limits, and processes billing based on predefined rules, reducing the need for complex manual network management while enabling diverse revenue streams.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the network infrastructure and consumers that handles task-specific authorization and metering. This intermediary component simplifies network management by centralizing the complexity of task-based control and billing logic, allowing the core network to operate with standard protocols while enabling sophisticated service models.
3Ease of operation
If free 'always hot' connection is provided with restricted access, then consumer convenience is improved, but service differentiation and revenue opportunities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments network access into different task categories (web browsing, social media, video streaming, etc.), allowing consumers to enjoy convenient always-on connectivity for basic tasks while offering optional paid upgrades for data-intensive or premium tasks. This segmentation maintains ease of operation for core functions while enabling service differentiation for advanced needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a tiered approach where consumers receive partial free access to network services for basic tasks, with the option to purchase additional bandwidth or access to more demanding tasks. This partial action model maintains convenience for essential usage while creating revenue opportunities through optional enhancements.
Data Source
AI summary
A communications system is provided which comprises (a) a platform having a plurality of tenants associated therewith, wherein each tenant has a set of mobile communications devices associated with it which has a plurality of members, wherein each mobile communications device in the set maintains an open connection to a communications network and is equipped with a graphical user interface (GUI); and (b) for each of the plurality of tenants, a group of offers selected by the tenant which are displayed on the GUI of each member of the set of mobile communications devices associated with that tenant.