Network Node Operator Selection for M2ME Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies do not effectively allow Machine to Machine (M2ME) equipment to select one of several available home operators for communication network connections, as they assume a single operator is available, which is not applicable in scenarios where multiple operators are accessible.
Innovation Solution
A method and network node configuration that receive connection requests from M2MEs, obtain operator connection offers from various operators, and select the most suitable offer based on context information and subscription rules, sending the selected offer to a decision entity within the M2ME or the network for final selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current technologies are used, then the system assumes a single operator is available, but the system cannot handle scenarios where multiple operators are accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network node as an intermediary between the M2ME equipment and multiple operators. This intermediary receives connection requests, obtains operator connection offers from multiple operators, selects appropriate offers based on context information and subscription rules, and forwards selected offers to the M2ME equipment. This mediator approach enables multi-operator support without requiring complex logic in the M2ME equipment itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the operator selection function into distinct components: (1) receiving connection requests from M2ME equipment, (2) obtaining connection offers from multiple operators, (3) selecting offers based on context information and subscription rules, and (4) forwarding selected offers to the M2ME equipment. This segmentation allows each component to be handled independently, reducing overall system complexity while enabling multi-operator capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple operator connection offers are obtained and selected, then operator selection capability is enhanced, but the processing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by obtaining context information about the M2ME equipment and subscription rules beforehand. The network node uses this pre-obtained information to quickly evaluate and select from multiple operator connection offers when a connection request is received, reducing the time required for operator selection during actual connection establishment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the network node continuously evaluates operator connection offers based on context information and subscription rules. The selection process incorporates feedback from multiple operators' offers to determine the most suitable connection, enabling efficient decision-making among multiple options without excessive time consumption.
3Reliability
If operator connection offers are selected based on context information and subscription rules, then service quality is improved, but the decision-making complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network node serves as an intelligent intermediary that handles the complex decision-making process. It receives context information about the M2ME equipment and subscription rules, evaluates multiple operator connection offers against these criteria, and selects the most appropriate offer. This mediator approach centralizes the complex decision-making logic in the network node rather than requiring it in the M2ME equipment, improving service quality while managing complexity centrally.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters by evaluating operator connection offers based on multiple criteria including context information (device capabilities, location, service requirements) and subscription rules (operator preferences, service level agreements, pricing). By dynamically changing selection parameters based on these inputs, the system achieves high service quality through informed decision-making without requiring permanent complex logic in the M2ME equipment.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method and apparatus of supporting selection of operator connection offers for a Machine to Machine equipment (10) comprised in a communication network. A network node (14) receives (42) a operator connection request from the Machine to Machine equipment (10) and obtains (44) operator connection offers for the Machine to Machine equipment (10) wherein each offer originates from a separate operator. The network node (14) selects (46) one or more of the obtained offers and sends (48) the selected offers to a decision entity associated with the Machine to Machine equipment (10), for selecting one of the selected offers.