MVNO Interface for Identifier Mapping and Enabler Substitution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile virtual network operators face challenges in decoupling and substituting mobile virtual network enablers due to tight coupling and identifier lock-in, which creates friction and binds clients to specific enablers, making task management inefficient.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where mobile virtual network operators map and use distinct client identifiers to manage tasks, enabling seamless substitution of enablers while maintaining secrecy and using modular interfaces to handle tasks efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the mobile virtual network operator uses the identifier assigned by the mobile virtual network enabler to communicate with the client, then the task management is simplified, but the operator becomes locked into the specific enabler and cannot easily substitute them
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mapping mechanism that translates between the enabler-specific identifier and the operator's canonical identifier. This mapping layer acts as a mediator that allows the operator to use its own identifier system internally while still being able to communicate with the enabler using its preferred identifier format, thereby preventing lock-in and enabling easy substitution of enablers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the identifier system into two distinct parts: the enabler-specific identifier used for communication with the enabler, and the operator's canonical identifier used for internal management and client communication. This segmentation allows independent management of each identifier system, enabling the operator to change enablers without affecting the canonical identifier structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mobile virtual network enabler is tightly associated with multiple distinct types of tasks, then the enabler can provide comprehensive services, but it becomes difficult to decouple tasks or substitute the enabler
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the relationship between the operator and the enabler by introducing a mapping layer that decouples the enabler-specific identifier from the operator's task management system. This allows the operator to manage different task types independently while maintaining a unified view through the mapping mechanism, reducing the complexity of tight coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The mapping mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it translates identifiers, maintains referential integrity, enables enabler substitution, and supports task management. This universal approach allows the system to handle comprehensive services from multiple enablers through a single unified interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A disclosed method may include (i) receiving, by a mobile virtual network operator from a client of the mobile virtual network operator, a request to perform a task relating to a telecommunication account of the client with the mobile virtual network operator, (ii) forwarding, by the mobile virtual network operator, the request to perform the task to a mobile virtual network enabler by referencing a first client identifier that the mobile virtual network enabler assigned to the telecommunication account, (iii) mapping, by the mobile virtual network operator, the first client identifier that the mobile virtual network enabler assigned to the telecommunication account onto a second client identifier that the mobile virtual network operator assigned to the telecommunication account and that is distinct from the first client identifier, and (iv) reporting that the task has been completed.