Automatic PRL Update via WLAN Account Association
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for multi-mode devices lack an efficient method for automatically updating their preferred roaming lists (PRLs) to include wireless local area network (WLAN) access points, leading to inconvenience in connecting to authorized WLANs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for automatically updating a multi-mode device's PRL over-the-air based on an account association between the device and a WLAN access point, using data storage to maintain subscriber account associations and employing over-the-air service provisioning to add WLAN SSID and MAC address information to the device's PRL.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual configuration of WLAN access points in PRL is used, then device can connect to authorized WLANs, but user convenience deteriorates due to manual setup requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-service provisioning where the multi-mode device automatically discovers and configures WLAN access points based on account associations stored in the database, eliminating the need for manual user configuration while maintaining secure authorized access
2Extent of automation
If automatic over-the-air updating is implemented, then PRL updates to include WLAN access points occur automatically, but system complexity increases due to integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the PRL update mechanism with the existing account association database and over-the-air provisioning infrastructure, combining multiple functions (WLAN access point registration, account management, and PRL distribution) into a unified automated system that leverages existing network capabilities
3Adaptability or versatility
If WLAN access points are pre-configured in PRL, then connection setup is simplified, but flexibility deteriorates when new access points need to be added
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary registration of WLAN access points in the account association database before they need to be accessed, so that when a multi-mode device needs to connect, the access point information is already prepared and can be automatically provisioned through over-the-air updates without delay
4Ease of operation
If over-the-air service provisioning is used for PRL updates, then device updates occur remotely without visit to service center, but reliability may be affected by transmission errors
Solution Approach 1:
The over-the-air provisioning system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the multi-mode device confirms successful reception and application of PRL updates, allowing the system to detect and retransmit corrupted data, thereby maintaining reliability while enabling remote updates
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for automatic over-the-air updating of a preferred roaming list (PRL) in a multi-mode device, based on an account association between the device and a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point. For each of a plurality of subscriber accounts, a set of subscriber account data is maintained in data storage, indicating an association between the subscriber account and one or more telecommunication devices. A determination is made that a given subscriber account is associated with both (i) a multi-mode device and (ii) a WLAN access point. In response to the determination, a PRL for the multi-mode device is automatically updated to include access data for the WLAN access point.