Multi-Subscription Network Prioritization via Device Consolidation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems face challenges in monetizing subscribers by incentivizing them to pay for higher quality of service (QoS) as existing technologies do not effectively encourage the consolidation of transfers onto fewer devices, leading to inefficient use of network resources and battery life.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine devices associated with multiple subscriptions and inactive related devices, assigning higher priority and QoS to the active device, thereby incentivizing subscribers to consolidate transfers and utilize network resources more efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If subscribers use multiple devices with separate transfers, then each device can operate independently, but network resources and battery life are wasted due to lack of consolidation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple device transfers into a single consolidated transfer by identifying the master device and slave devices, then routing transfers through the master device which has higher priority. This consolidation reduces the number of simultaneous transfers from the network, saving network resources and reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining device operational independence through the master-slave relationship.
2Power
If operators charge for higher QoS levels, then revenue increases, but subscribers cannot effectively utilize PCRF based mechanisms due to app and smartphone limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network entity (PCRF or entitlement server) as an intermediary that automatically identifies multi-subscription subscribers and assigns priority based on the number of subscriptions. This intermediary operates at the network level rather than requiring app-level implementation, enabling QoS differentiation and monetization of multiple subscriptions without requiring changes to subscriber devices or applications.
3Use of energy by moving object
If devices consolidate transfers onto a single device, then battery life is saved, but the overall bit rate achieved decreases due to network incentives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different priority levels to different devices based on their role (master vs. slave). The master device receives higher priority with guaranteed bit rate, while slave devices receive lower priority. This differential quality assignment allows consolidation to proceed while maintaining high overall bit rate through the prioritized master device's enhanced network resources.
4Power
If subscribers purchase multiple subscriptions, then network revenue increases, but the system lacks mechanisms to effectively manage and prioritize multi-subscription usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the network system to automatically identify subscribers with multiple subscriptions and dynamically assign priority levels without requiring manual configuration or complex management procedures. The system autonomously determines the master device and configures appropriate QoS parameters, simplifying subscription management while maximizing revenue from multi-subscription customers.
Data Source
AI summary
Various communication systems may benefit from appropriate prioritization of users and/or devices. For example, wireless communication systems may benefit from multi-subscription network prioritization, such as systems for prioritizing subscribers with multiple subscriptions that are using fewer devices than they have subscriptions. A method can include determining that a device is associated with a plurality of subscriptions. The method can also include determining at least one related device is not in use, wherein the at least one related device is associated with same plurality of subscriptions. The method can further include assigning a higher priority to the device based on the determinations that the device has the plurality of associated subscriptions and has at least one related device not in use.