Roaming Network Redirection Blocking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network selection systems for roaming are limited by their dependency on home network systems, which can restrict user freedom and fair competition, as they manipulate mobile units to select preferred networks through rejection messages, potentially leading to unwanted network changes.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that detect and block redirection attempts by home networks at visited networks, using a detector and redirection blocker to intercept and manage SS7/MAP messages, allowing mobile units to maintain their preferred network selections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If home network systems use rejection messages to redirect mobile units to preferred networks, then network operator control and preferred network selection is improved, but user freedom and fair competition deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a roaming partner network as an intermediary between the home network and the mobile unit. The roaming partner network receives and processes redirection requests from the home network, then independently decides whether to honor or block these redirection attempts. This intermediary structure allows the home network to express its preferences while giving the roaming partner network the authority to protect user freedom and ensure fair competition.
2Adaptability or versatility
If home networks manipulate mobile units through rejection messages, then preferred network selection is improved, but network selection fairness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary anti-action by having the roaming partner network proactively block redirection attempts before they can manipulate the mobile unit. The system detects when a home network sends rejection messages for redirection purposes and prevents these messages from reaching the mobile unit, thereby counteracting the unfair manipulation before it affects network selection fairness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If roaming systems allow home network redirection attempts, then operator preferences are respected, but user autonomy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional roaming architecture by giving control to the roaming partner network rather than the home network. Instead of the home network directly controlling network selection, the system allows the roaming partner network to receive operator preferences and independently decide whether to honor them, thereby prioritizing user autonomy while still accommodating operator preferences when appropriate.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for blocking of redirection attempts by a home network when a mobile unit roams in a visited network. The apparatus comprises: a detector, configured for detecting a roaming transaction by a mobile unit of a visiting user and a respective redirection attempt of the mobile unit from the visited network by a home network of the visiting user, and further comprising a redirection blocker, associated with the detector and configured for blocking the redirection attempt.