Proxy-Based Usage Tracking for Wireless Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Emerging wireless networks, which route all services as packet data through a single switch, make it difficult to accurately track usage of wireless devices, as current methods cannot distinguish between different types of voice calls or accurately deduct voice minutes from monthly plans.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a proxy-based usage tracking system that includes a tracking module and proxy identifier database within the wireless device or MVNO cloud, which assigns specific proxies to different types of communications based on predefined rules, allowing for accurate tracking and differentiation of usage across various services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all wireless services are routed through a single switch as packet data, then network convergence and data service integration are improved, but usage tracking precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the unified packet data stream into distinct service categories by implementing multiple service data flow (SDF) templates, each associated with specific QoS parameters and service types. This allows voice, SMS, and data services to be differentiated and tracked separately despite sharing the same packet-switched infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary tracking system that monitors packet data flows between the single switch and the core network. This intermediary layer analyzes packet characteristics, QoS parameters, and flow identifiers to distinguish different service types and accurately attribute usage to appropriate billing categories.
2Productivity
If voice calls are transmitted as data over LTE networks, then network efficiency and service convergence are improved, but voice minute tracking accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality differentiation by assigning specific QoS parameters and 5QI (5G QoS Identifier) values to voice traffic flows. This allows the network to identify and prioritize voice packets based on their quality requirements, enabling accurate distinction between voice calls and other data services for billing purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in QoS configurations and flow identifiers to distinguish voice traffic from other packet data. By monitoring changes in QoS parameters, 5QI values, and flow templates, the system can accurately identify voice call duration and usage even when transmitted as data packets.
3Device complexity
If different types of voice calls are routed through the same network infrastructure, then network simplicity is improved, but call type differentiation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic differentiation by using adjustable QoS parameters and flow templates that can be configured based on call type characteristics. The system dynamically assigns different QoS profiles to different voice call types (e.g., free calls to mobile network operator vs. paid calls to landline), enabling differentiation without adding physical infrastructure complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for tracking usage of a wireless device includes monitoring a communications trigger to initiate communication with a wireless device over a wireless network, determining an identifier of the communication, comparing the identifier of the communication with a database including two or more communication identifiers and two or more proxy identifiers, each communication identifier being associated with a corresponding proxy identifier, identifying, in response to a comparison of the identifier of the communication with the database, a proxy corresponding with the identifier of the communication, monitoring data from the wireless device to a destination through the identified proxy, and receiving usage of the wireless device from the identified proxy to track the usage of the wireless device.