Network Device Emergency Redirection via Utilization Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
During emergency events like network outages or congestion, mobile devices face limitations in communication due to high traffic, and existing Public Warning Systems struggle to efficiently redirect users to alternative networks, leading to service disruptions and overloading of emergency centers.
Innovation Solution
A network device and method that periodically receive network utilization data from multiple providers, creating and transmitting lists to mobile devices indicating available alternative networks with emergency service profiles, allowing seamless redirection and resource allocation in emergency situations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mobile devices simultaneously contact family members or friends after receiving emergency notifications, then users can inform others about the emergency situation, but network congestion occurs and emergency centers become overloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring alternative network providers and service profiles before the emergency occurs. When congestion is detected, mobile devices are immediately redirected to pre-identified alternative networks, avoiding the need to establish connections during the emergency crisis moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The network introduces an intermediary mechanism by implementing a service profile that mediates between the mobile device and the alternative network provider. This service profile acts as a gateway that enables restricted communication services through alternative networks without requiring full network authentication, thus reducing the burden on emergency centers.
2Reliability
If mobile devices are redirected to alternative networks during emergency, then service availability is improved, but network complexity increases due to multiple network coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The service profile implements a universal interface that works across multiple network providers. Instead of creating complex custom integration for each alternative network, the system uses a standardized service profile that can be applied universally to any alternative network provider, simplifying the coordination complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages complexity by changing parameters rather than structure. When redirecting to alternative networks, the service profile adjusts communication parameters (such as allowed service types, quality of service levels, and authentication methods) to match the capabilities of the alternative network, rather than reconfiguring the entire network architecture.
3Reliability
If subscribers use SIM-card authentication on their subscribed network, then secure access is ensured, but access to services is limited to emergency services only during network unavailability
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication and service configuration when the mobile device is connected to its subscribed network. The service profile is pre-established with the home network's authentication credentials, so when redirection to an alternative network occurs, the device can immediately activate pre-configured services without requiring re-authentication, thus maintaining both security and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The service profile essentially creates a copy of the authenticated service access rights from the subscribed network and applies it to the alternative network. This allows the mobile device to access services on the alternative network with the same security credentials it has on its home network, expanding service access flexibility while maintaining the security guarantees of SIM-card authentication.
Data Source
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AI summary
The embodiments herein relate to a network device (400), a network node (600), a mobile device (800) and respective method. The network device (400) is configured to receive from a network node (600) of each network provider information including a percentage of network utilization and based on that information determine a list including information on network providers to which mobile devices may connect to in the event of an emergency. The network providers being comprised in a given geographical area and connected to the network device (400).