Proximity-Based Subscription Management for Data Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions do not effectively manage a single user's multiple devices accessing a data communications network under a shared subscription, leading to unnecessary multiple charges and potential misuse, as they lack a mechanism to verify proximity and apply a combined charging model.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a main user device connected to a data communications network to manage subscriptions for multiple user devices, determining proximity between devices to apply a combined subscription charging model, which can switch to an individual model if devices are not close enough, ensuring economical billing for the user and preventing misuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices are allowed to access the network under a single subscription, then the user can share data access across devices, but the operator cannot distinguish between authorized users and potential misusers
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a service node as an intermediary between the network and user devices. This service node verifies device proximity and manages subscription authorization, acting as a mediator that enables multi-device access while maintaining security. The service node checks whether devices are in proximity to the main user device before allowing network access under the shared subscription.
2Ease of operation
If a single subscription is shared across multiple devices, then the user pays only once, but existing systems charge each device separately or require complex user group management
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic proximity-based verification and charging model selection without requiring manual user group configuration. The service node automatically detects device proximity, determines the appropriate charging model, and applies it - making the system self-managing and eliminating complex subscription setup for users.
3Reliability
If proximity verification is implemented to enable combined charging, then unauthorized use is prevented, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges proximity verification, device identification, charging model selection, and authorization management into a single service node. This consolidation simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining reliable proximity-based verification and accurate charging model application.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for managing a subscription for a data communications network comprises a main device having a data connection to the data communications network under a subscription, at least one other device capable of forming a data connection to the data communications network under said subscription, means for determining a proximity of the main device and the other device with respect to each others, and means for applying a combined subscription charging model for the data connection of the other device when the proximity is verified. The solution also concerns a method for managing a subscription a data communications network.