Multi-Connectivity Network Device Centralized Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems lack centralized control over multi-connectivity capable customer equipment accessing data networks, requiring modifications to the equipment for parental control and access management across different access technologies.
Innovation Solution
A multi-connectivity capable network device that centrally manages access by using a multi-connectivity termination point, allowing parental control and access limitations without modifying the customer equipment, by utilizing different access interfaces and networks, and implementing control instructions for time, volume, and service limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If parental control and access management are implemented in existing communication systems, then access control functionality is provided, but modifications to customer equipment are required which increases device complexity and reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a multi-connectivity termination point as an intermediary device between the customer equipment and the data network. This termination point implements the parental control and access management functionality, acting as a mediator that provides the desired control capabilities without requiring modifications to the customer equipment. The termination point handles all control instructions centrally, eliminating the need for complex modifications at the customer premises.
2Adaptability or versatility
If access control functionality is implemented at customer equipment, then parental control is enabled, but it requires specific applications or modifications on the equipment which reduces adaptability across different access technologies
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-connectivity termination point is designed with universal functionality that handles multiple access technologies (wireless, wired, mobile, fixed) through a single centralized control mechanism. This universal design eliminates the need for technology-specific applications or modifications at customer equipment, as the termination point adapts to different access types centrally. The control instructions are applied uniformly regardless of the access technology used, providing adaptability across all technologies.
3Ease of operation
If centralized control is implemented without modification on customer equipment, then ease of operation is improved, but the network device complexity increases to handle multi-connectivity termination and control functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the parental control and access management functionality from the customer equipment and relocates it to the multi-connectivity termination point in the network. This extraction removes the complexity burden from customer equipment while concentrating the control functions in the network device. The termination point assumes responsibility for all control operations, allowing customer equipment to remain simple and unmodified.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates inter alia to a multi-connectivity capable network device (80) for centrally controlling multiple access of a multi-connectivity capable customer equipment (20) to a data network (90) and/or to services provided by the data network, wherein the network device (80) is configured to centrally control, in response to control instructions stored in the network device (80) and associated with a first access interface (44) and a second access interface (45) of a multi-connectivity capable customer equipment (20), the access of a multi-connectivity capable customer equipment (20) to a data network (90) and/or to services provided by the data network, wherein the multi-connectivity capable network device (80) comprises at least one access network interface (82) configured to enable connection to a first access network (50) and to a second access network (60) and a network interface (84) configured to enable connection to a data network (90).