Network Usage Manager for App-Based Cellular Data Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile device operating systems lack flexibility in managing data connections for applications, leading to inefficient use of cellular data and increased costs, as they do not allow for tailored allocation of data connections based on application needs and usage scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A network usage manager is implemented in the operating system to enable selection among different data connections for applications or classes of applications, using single or multiple SIM/UICC cards, allowing for manual, semi-automatic, or automatic application of usage policies that optimize data connection selection based on bandwidth requirements and cost considerations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the operating system allows flexible selection among different data connections for applications, then network utilization and cost optimization are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A network usage manager is introduced as an intermediary component between applications and the operating system's network stack. This manager receives policy definitions from users or administrators and automatically enforces them by selecting appropriate data connections for each application, thereby providing flexible network selection without requiring complex integration throughout the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The network management functionality is segmented into distinct components: policy definition, policy enforcement, and network selection logic. This segmentation allows each component to be developed and maintained independently, reducing overall system complexity while enabling sophisticated network selection capabilities through the coordination of these modular elements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual policy configuration is required for network selection, then customization and cost optimization are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automatic policy generation capabilities that allow the network usage manager to autonomously create and adjust network selection policies based on application behavior patterns, network conditions, and user preferences. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for manual policy configuration while still providing customized network selection, thereby maintaining adaptability without sacrificing ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple SIM/UICC cards are supported for data connection selection, then network utilization and cost management are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network usage manager is designed with universal functionality that can handle multiple SIM/UICC cards through a unified policy enforcement interface. Rather than requiring separate management mechanisms for each SIM card, the system treats all data connections uniformly, applying the same policy evaluation and selection logic across different SIM cards, thereby supporting multi-SIM functionality without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A network usage manager in an operating system executing on a mobile device is configured to enable selection among different cellular data connections by application ("app") or by app class so that end users can tailor cellular network allocation, app performance, and costs to meet their specific needs while mobile operators can improve network utilization and provide more comprehensive data plan offerings. The network usage manager applies app usage policies to select among different cellular data connections which may be supported on the mobile device using single or multiple SIM/UICC (Subscriber Identity Module/Universal Integrated Circuit Card) cards. The app usage policies can be set for a given app or class of app on the mobile device so that, for example, apps that implement background synchronization processes can use typically less expensive, lower bandwidth connections while typically more expensive, higher bandwidth connections are selected for data intensive apps.