Network Metadata Policy Server for Third-Party Agreements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LTE network standards lack a mechanism to implement agreements between network operators and third parties, such as retailers, for providing enhanced services to subscribers based on group subscriber behavior, and do not allow for automatic provision of incentives when groups of subscribers are present in specific locations.
Innovation Solution
A network metadata directed policy server collects information on subscriber locations, derives metadata, applies policy manipulation rules to enhance operator-assigned policy control parameters, and instructs the PCRF to temporarily increase quality of service for subscribers within specified areas, enabling network operators to offer incentives to retailers based on group presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current LTE network standards are used for policy control, then basic subscriber bandwidth allocation is maintained, but the ability to implement agreements with third parties and provide enhanced services based on group subscriber behavior is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the policy control functionality by introducing a separate policy evaluation component that operates independently from the existing PCRF. This component specifically handles third-party agreement evaluation and group behavior analysis, allowing the system to maintain basic LTE policy control while adding enhanced adaptability for commercial agreements without overwhelming complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary policy evaluation component that acts as a mediator between the existing LTE policy control infrastructure and third-party agreement requirements. This intermediary evaluates group subscriber behavior and determines when enhanced services should be provided, enabling third-party agreements without requiring fundamental changes to the core network architecture
2Ease of operation
If enhanced services are provided to all subscribers continuously, then subscriber satisfaction is improved, but administrative costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic evaluation of group subscriber behavior through the policy evaluation component. Instead of continuously providing enhanced services, the system periodically assesses whether threshold conditions are met and only activates enhanced services when appropriate, reducing administrative costs while maintaining automatic operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the policy evaluation component continuously monitors subscriber location and group behavior, and automatically adjusts service enhancement status based on evaluated conditions. This feedback-driven approach enables automatic provisioning only when beneficial, reducing unnecessary administrative costs
3Productivity
If network operators manually manage policy enhancements for third-party agreements, then service quality is maintained, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation where the policy evaluation component automatically monitors subscriber behavior, evaluates agreement conditions, and triggers service enhancements without manual intervention. This automated self-service approach dramatically improves operational efficiency while maintaining consistent service quality through rule-based decision-making
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-configuring policy evaluation rules and thresholds for third-party agreements. The system is prepared in advance with decision criteria, allowing it to automatically and reliably execute service enhancements when conditions are met, improving both efficiency and consistency
Data Source
AI summary
The subject matter described herein includes methods, systems, and computer readable media for network metadata based policy control. According to one aspect, a system for network metadata based policy control is provided. The system includes a network metadata directed policy server for obtaining network information for a plurality of subscribers, for deriving network metadata from the network information, for applying a network metadata policy manipulation rule for changing a value of a network an operator assigned policy control parameter for the subscribers, and for generating an instruction for changing the value of the network operator assigned policy control parameter for the subscriber. The system further includes a policy control and charging rules function (PCRF) node for detecting the instruction and for instructing a policy and charging enforcement function (PCEF) node to change value of the operator assigned policy control parameter for the subscribers.