Single Connectivity Context for Multiple Service Contexts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless systems, such as 4G and LTE, are limited to a single subscription and credential, restricting the ability to concurrently connect to multiple network services using a single device, which hinders the provision of dedicated network functionality for multiple services and forces users to obtain different devices or SIM cards for accessing different radio links.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a connectivity serving node that manages a single radio link with multiple concurrent service contexts, allowing a device to share a single connectivity context for establishing multiple service connections, enabling support for multiple subscriber credentials and service contexts within a single domain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single connectivity context is used between a device and network, then device complexity is reduced, but the system cannot support multiple concurrent service contexts or multiple subscriptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connectivity management into two distinct layers: a connectivity context that handles radio link management, and multiple service contexts that handle individual service subscriptions. This segmentation allows the device to maintain one connectivity context while supporting multiple concurrent service contexts, each with its own credentials and service requirements, thereby resolving the contradiction between supporting multiple services and maintaining simple connectivity management.
Solution Approach 2:
The connectivity context is designed as a universal layer that can serve multiple service contexts simultaneously. Instead of requiring separate connectivity contexts for each service, the single connectivity context provides universal access to the radio link while multiple service contexts leverage this shared connectivity, enabling multi-functionality without increasing connectivity management complexity.
2Ease of operation
If multiple SIM cards or devices are used to access different radio links, then access to multiple networks is enabled, but user convenience decreases and device quantity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple service contexts into a single device by allowing one connectivity context to support multiple concurrent service contexts. This combining eliminates the need for users to carry multiple SIM cards or devices, as all service subscriptions can be accessed through a single device using the shared connectivity context, thereby improving ease of operation while reducing the quantity of physical items needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated functionality is provided for multiple services, then service differentiation is improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimensional organization to network complexity by separating connectivity management from service management. Instead of adding horizontal complexity through multiple connectivity contexts, the solution adds a vertical dimension where service contexts are stacked upon a single connectivity context. This dimensional change allows dedicated functionality for multiple services while keeping the network structure organized and manageable.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Methods and apparatus supporting multiple concurrent service contexts sharing a single connectivity context are disclosed. A device may initiate a radio link with a network node and establish a connectivity context with the network node over the radio link using a connectivity logical context of the device. The network node may receive, authenticate, and authorize context establishment requests. A first service context with a first service management entity may be established over the radio link using a first logical context of the device, where the first logical context is distinct from the connectivity logical context. Multiple service connections using multiple service contexts based on multiple logical contexts of the device may share the connectivity context and may be established over the radio link.