Network Services Manager for Subscriber Data Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large network providers face difficulties in efficiently accessing and managing network services across multiple systems, leading to time-consuming and inefficient processes for retrieving subscriber information.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system for managing network services, which provides a graphical user interface (GUI) for users to input MSISDN numbers and select identifier types, allowing the system to query provisioning gateways and other external systems to retrieve and populate subscriber information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate systems are used to manage network services and store subscriber information, then system functionality and data storage capacity are improved, but the complexity of determining how to access particular systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network services manager as an intermediary system that sits between various network systems (PGW, HLR, HSS, etc.) and provides a unified interface for accessing subscriber information. This manager receives queries from different clients, determines the appropriate target system based on the query type and subscriber identifier, and routes the query to the correct system, thereby simplifying access complexity while maintaining system versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The network services manager is designed as a universal access point that can handle multiple types of queries (by MSISDN, IMSI, ICCID, etc.) and access multiple different systems (PGW, HLR, HSS, VLR, etc.) through a single unified interface. This multi-functional design allows any client to access any subscriber information through one system rather than requiring direct connections to multiple separate systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual processes are used to determine which system to query for subscriber information, then system flexibility is maintained, but the time required to retrieve information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network services manager performs preliminary actions by maintaining a database or configuration that maps different query types and subscriber identifiers to the appropriate target systems. When a query arrives, the manager already knows which system should be queried based on pre-established rules, eliminating the need for manual determination and significantly reducing query routing time
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the network services manager learns from query patterns and system responses to optimize its routing decisions. This feedback loop allows the manager to improve its query routing efficiency over time, reducing the time required to retrieve information while maintaining system flexibility
3Productivity
If a centralized system is implemented to manage all network services access, then access efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network services management function into a separate, dedicated network services manager component that is distinct from the underlying network systems (PGW, HLR, HSS, etc.). This segmentation allows the centralized management logic to be isolated and optimized independently, improving access efficiency without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method for managing network services for a cellular network provider. The method includes receiving, via a GUI, a query input of an MSISDN number associated with a subscriber and querying a first external system using the MSISDN. In response to the query of the first external system, the method includes receiving a first set of subscriber information. The method includes querying a second external system using the MSISDN number to determine an IMSI number associated with the subscriber, and querying a third external system using the IMSI number. In response to the query of the third external system with the IMSI number, the method includes receiving a second set of subscriber information and populating one or more fields of the GUI with the first and second set of subscriber information.