Service Provider Selection in Shared Wireless Access Nodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional LTE networks do not effectively manage scenarios where user equipment (UE) has multiple credentials for accessing a shared wireless access node, limiting the ability to control or influence which service provider to use, especially in scenarios with multiple available credentials.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a system where a shared wireless access node provides notification to user equipment with priority information, allowing it to select and use the appropriate service provider based on configured rankings, and dynamically updates connection information to manage traffic distribution among service providers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional LTE networks use a single SIM for voice and data services, then network simplicity is maintained, but the ability to select among multiple service providers is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice provider selection capabilityVSAvoidnetwork configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the service provider selection process into distinct components: multiple credential storage, priority information reception, and ranked selection logic. This allows the system to handle multiple service providers through structured information elements in signaling messages, maintaining manageable complexity while enabling versatile provider selection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring priority information and ranked lists of service providers before actual network access is needed. The UE receives and stores priority information in advance, enabling rapid automated selection when multiple credentials are available, thus improving adaptability without increasing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple credentials are stored in UE for different service providers, then service provider selection flexibility is improved, but control over which provider to use is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecredential availabilityVSAvoidservice provider selection control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network provides priority information to the UE, and the UE reports back its selection decisions. The network can adjust priority information based on UE reports, creating a closed-loop system that maintains both credential availability and operational control through continuous information exchange and adaptive management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses preliminary action by pre-establishing priority rankings and selection criteria before the UE needs to make provider selection decisions. The network configures the UE with ordered lists of preferred service providers in advance, enabling automated controlled selection rather than random or manual choice, thus maintaining ease of operation while supporting multiple credentials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the network provides priority information to UE, then automated service provider selection is improved, but additional signaling overhead is introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice provider selection efficiencyVSAvoidsignaling message volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments priority information into discrete information elements that can be efficiently embedded within existing signaling message structures. Rather than creating separate dedicated signaling protocols, the priority information is segmented and integrated into available message formats, reducing overall signaling overhead while maintaining automated selection efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes existing signaling messages multi-functional by having them carry both traditional network control information and new priority information for service provider selection. This universal approach allows a single signaling infrastructure to support multiple functions, improving selection efficiency without proportionally increasing message volume

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11564158B2Service provider selection in a wireless network

Publication Date: 2023.01.24 CHARTER COMM OPERATING LLC

AI summary

According to one configuration, a shared wireless access node supports wireless access for multiple wireless network service providers. A mobile communication device receives notification of multiple wireless network service providers, each of which provides access to a remote network through the shared wireless access node. The notification includes connection information such as priority information assigned to the wireless network service providers. The priority information indicates an order in which to select amongst the multiple available wireless network service providers to access the remote network. Based at least in part on the priority information, the mobile communication device selects a wireless network service provider amongst the multiple wireless network service providers. The mobile communication device communicates with the wireless access node to establish a wireless communication link to access the remote network through the corresponding wireless access node using wireless services provided by the selected service provider.