Network Usage Data Processing for Storage Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Service providers face high storage costs due to the need for extensive data storage systems that handle both usage-based billing and network analysis, which require large volumes of data to be stored for varying periods.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a usage monitor that collects and processes network usage data, aggregating it for billing purposes while simultaneously sampling it for network analysis, thereby creating separate data sets for each function, reducing storage requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If service providers store large volumes of usage data for long periods to support both billing and network analysis, then network analysis accuracy is improved, but storage costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides usage data into two separate processing streams: one for billing functions and one for network analysis functions. Each stream processes data independently with appropriate storage duration, eliminating the need to store all data indefinitely. The billing stream processes data for short-term billing cycles while the analysis stream samples data for long-term trend identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts a representative sample of usage data for network analysis purposes while maintaining the complete data set for billing. By taking out only the necessary portion (sampled data) for analysis, the system reduces overall storage requirements while preserving analytical capabilities.
2Loss of information
If service providers store large volumes of usage data for long periods to support both billing and network analysis, then usage trend identification is improved, but storage costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data processing into distinct functional paths: billing processing and network analysis processing. Each path has its own storage requirements optimized for its specific purpose, allowing trend identification without requiring all data to be stored at full capacity for extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a sampled copy of usage data specifically for network analysis purposes. This copied data set is sufficient for identifying usage trends and patterns, eliminating the need to retain the complete original data set indefinitely.
3Adaptability or versatility
If service providers implement both usage-based billing and network analysis, then service functionality is improved, but storage costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements separate processing streams for billing and network analysis functions. Each stream is optimized for its specific purpose with appropriate data retention policies, allowing the system to provide both functionalities without requiring excessive storage capacity that would result from treating them as a single unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The usage data collection system serves multiple functions (billing and network analysis) through a single data collection mechanism, but processes the data through separate specialized streams. This multi-functionality approach allows one system to support multiple services while optimizing storage for each specific function.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments for monitoring a network are provided. In one embodiment, a method is provided. The method includes collecting data containing information on usage of a network by subscribers. The method further aggregates the data for a first type of usage-based function. Further, the method, simultaneously with the aggregating of the data, samples the data for a second, different type of usage-based function. In other embodiments, systems and machine readable media for monitoring usage of a network are also provided that provide simultaneous generation of data sets for first and second usage-based functions.