Schedule-Based Telecommunication Policy Enforcement for Emergency Network Load Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telecommunications systems lack mechanisms to manage cellular service privileges effectively during emergencies, leading to network overload and hindered communication capabilities for users directly impacted by crises.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a schedule-based policy enforcement system that disables telecommunication services for users not proximate to an emergency area while enabling services for those who are, using a gateway server to integrate enterprise and cellular networks, allowing administrators to manage service restrictions based on user schedules and locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If telecommunication services are enabled for all users during emergencies, then users can access cellular services, but network capacity is overwhelmed and calls cannot be placed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating service access based on user location relative to the emergency. Users located away from the emergency scene are granted full service access, while users near the emergency have services restricted. This spatial differentiation resolves the contradiction by allowing broad accessibility for those who need it while preserving network capacity for critical emergency communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the user population into distinct groups based on their proximity to the emergency event. By dividing users into those affected by the emergency and those not affected, the system can apply different service policies to each segment, thereby maintaining network reliability while providing service to those who need it most.
2Reliability
If telecommunication services are disabled for all users during emergencies, then network capacity is preserved, but users directly impacted by emergencies cannot communicate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by applying different service restrictions based on geographic location. Instead of a blanket restriction, users are evaluated based on their proximity to the emergency, with only those locally affected experiencing service limitations. This preserves network capacity while maintaining accessibility for users who are not in the immediate danger zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the policy enforcement system) that mediates between the need to preserve network capacity and the need to provide emergency communication. This intermediary evaluates user location and emergency parameters to make intelligent decisions about service access, resolving the contradiction through automated, location-based policy enforcement.
3Reliability
If schedule-based policy enforcement is implemented, then network demand is alleviated for emergency users, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the policy enforcement system to automatically evaluate user schedules, locations, and emergency parameters without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously determines which users should have services restricted based on pre-defined policies, reducing the operational complexity while maintaining reliable emergency communication capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the policy enforcement system continuously monitors user location, schedule, and emergency status to dynamically adjust service access. This feedback loop allows the system to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining relatively simple enforcement logic, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and computer-readable medium for enforcing user telecommunication privileges on a per-schedule basis are provided. Enterprise members may have a schedule associated therewith that defines scheduled locations of the users. Telecommunication service privileges may be coordinated with the users' schedules such that communication services are disabled at particular times based on the users' schedules. In other implementations, particular users may have telecommunication services disabled by an administrator in the event of a catastrophe or emergency. By this mechanism, users that are not proximate to a particular catastrophe or emergency area according to the users' schedule may have services disabled while other users that are located more proximate to the emergency may have their telecommunication services enabled. In this manner, the demand on a cellular network may be alleviated thereby increasing the likelihood that users directly impacted by the emergency may receive and place calls or access data services.