Network Entity Subscription Verification for IoT Device Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Devices without a subscription to a communications network face challenges in accessing mobile internet, requiring SIM cards, roaming agreements, and multiple accounts, leading to overhead and complexity for device manufacturers and users.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that include a device and network entity for connecting to a communications network, using a transmitting unit to attempt access and an indication unit to identify the device, with a network entity that determines the device's subscription status through databases, allowing or preventing connection based on valid subscriptions and accounts, thereby managing access efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a device is equipped with a SIM card and subscription for mobile internet access, then the device can connect to communications networks, but the device complexity and overhead increase due to requiring SIM cards, roaming agreements, and multiple accounts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the subscription management functionality from the device itself and relocates it to the network entity. The device no longer needs to physically contain or manage SIM cards and subscriptions locally; instead, the network entity handles subscription verification and management centrally, simplifying the device while maintaining connectivity capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The network entity is designed to handle multiple functions: it serves as both the access point for device connection and the central repository for subscription management. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate SIM card infrastructure and roaming agreement mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If a device manufacturer provides SIM cards through operator arrangements, then the device can access mobile internet, but the manufacturer must have arrangements with operators and buyers must become subscribers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the SIM card provision requirement from the device manufacturing process. Instead of manufacturers needing to arrange SIM card supply chains and operator partnerships, the network entity directly manages device authentication and subscription, allowing manufacturers to focus solely on device production without telecommunication infrastructure commitments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a device manufacturer becomes an MVNO and provides SIM cards, then the device can function with mobile internet, but the manufacturer must have roaming agreements for countries where devices are sold
Solution Approach 1:
The network entity provides universal subscription management that automatically handles international access requirements. Instead of manufacturers needing to negotiate separate roaming agreements for each country, the network entity's centralized subscription system inherently supports global access, making the device adaptable to any country without additional manufacturer actions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a user owns multiple devices with SIM cards and subscriptions, then each device can access mobile internet, but the user has a multitude of accounts requiring deposits for prepaid accounts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple device subscriptions into a single unified subscription managed by the network entity. Instead of requiring separate accounts for each device, the system allows one subscription to cover multiple devices, reducing the number of accounts from N (one per device) to 1 (shared across all devices), thereby eliminating the need for multiple deposits.
5Ease of operation
If a device registers itself with the network to establish relations and become reachable, then the device can access mobile internet, but these procedures create overhead for devices that only need to send data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex registration and relationship-establishment procedures from the device initialization process. The network entity performs subscription verification and access authorization without requiring the device to undergo traditional registration steps, allowing devices to send data immediately without time-consuming setup procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
The system includes a device of a plurality of devices and a network entity for connecting the device to a communications network. The device is arranged for attempting to access the network while providing an identification of the device to the network entity. The network entity is arranged for receiving the access attempt from the device, and determining the identification of the device. The network entity determines an identification of a subscription associated with the device from a first database of the system. The network determines whether the identified subscription has the device associated therewith in a second database. The network entity allows the device to connect to the network entity or prevents the device from connecting to the communications network depending on the above determinations.