Mobile Network Limited Access for Non-Subscribed Terminals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sponsored data connectivity standards fail to provide mobile communication services to users or terminals that do not subscribe to a mobile network operator, limiting user convenience, especially for portable devices needing internet connectivity.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that allow a mobile network operator to provide limited access to a terminal not subscribed to the network by receiving an Attach Request message, determining the terminal's contract status, and sending an Attach Accept message, while also managing policy and charging control rules to enable sponsored data connectivity through multiple networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional sponsored data connectivity standards are used, then service providers can pay mobile communication fees for subscribed terminals, but terminals that do not subscribe to the mobile network operator cannot access mobile communication services

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice accessibilityVSAvoidnetwork access requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network access process into distinct phases: initial attachment phase for non-subscribed terminals using alternative authentication (IMEI-based), and subsequent data service phase with policy control. This allows terminals to access services without full subscription by separating authentication from service provisioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary authentication mechanism using IMEI-based identity management and policy control functions that act as mediators between non-subscribed terminals and the mobile network. This intermediary layer enables service access without traditional subscription authentication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If limited access is configured for non-subscribed terminals, then service accessibility is improved, but network security and control are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice accessibilityVSAvoidnetwork security
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by granting only the minimum necessary access rights to non-subscribed terminals - limited to specific data services with controlled bandwidth and policy restrictions. This partial access satisfies service accessibility while maintaining network security through controlled resource allocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms through policy control functions that monitor and manage non-subscribed terminal access in real-time. The system continuously evaluates usage patterns and enforces policy rules, providing feedback control to maintain security while allowing service access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10728836B2Method and device for providing data service through mobile communication network
Publication Date: 2020.07.28 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US10728836B2 patent drawing
  • US10728836B2 patent drawing
  • US10728836B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a 5G or pre-5G communication system to be provided to support a higher data transmission rate after a 4G communication system such as LTE. Disclosed is a method and device for providing a data service through a mobile communication network. The method of the present invention comprises the steps of: receiving a connection request message including a device identifier of a terminal which is not subscribed to a mobile communication network; determining, using the device identifier of the terminal, whether the terminal corresponds to a contract for using the mobile communication network; configuring the terminal to perform limited access to the mobile communication network according to the contract when the terminal corresponds to the contract for using the mobile communication network; and transmitting, to the terminal, a connection acceptance message granting the limited access.