Sponsored Tethered Connectivity for IoT Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for special purpose connected devices (SPCDs) to access cellular networks without the cost and complexity of including a built-in cellular modem, as the need for connectivity is often infrequent and may not justify the cost of the modem, especially for devices that are small or have limited functionality.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a framework for sponsored tethered connectivity (STC) that allows SPCDs to connect to a cellular network through a tethering mobile device with network access, using short-range interfaces like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or Zigbee, enabling secure access without requiring a tethering plan or cellular data plan on the tethering device, and separating the billing for the connection from the tethering device's existing mobile data subscription.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a built-in cellular modem is included in SPCDs to enable cellular network access, then connectivity capability is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tethering mobile device as an intermediary between the SPCD and the cellular network. The SPCD connects to the mobile device via short-range wireless communication (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other short-range interfaces), and the mobile device provides the cellular network connection. This intermediary approach allows SPCDs to access cellular networks without requiring built-in modems, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining connectivity capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a built-in cellular modem is included in SPCDs to enable cellular network access, then connectivity capability is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tethering mobile device serves as a cost-effective intermediary solution. Instead of each SPCD requiring an expensive built-in cellular modem, the mobile device (which the user already possesses) provides the cellular connection. This shared resource approach significantly reduces the bill of materials cost for SPCDs while enabling cellular network access through short-range wireless interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The tethering mobile device performs multiple functions: it serves as the user's personal communication device and simultaneously acts as a cellular modem for multiple different SPCDs. This multi-functionality allows a single mobile device to provide cellular connectivity to various SPCDs (blood pressure meters, glucose monitors, exercise bikes, etc.), reducing the need for dedicated cellular modems in each SPCD and lowering overall system cost.
3Ease of manufacture
If sponsored tethered connectivity is implemented allowing SPCDs to connect through tethering mobile devices, then device cost is reduced, but network access security and billing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile operator's network infrastructure acts as an intermediary for authentication and billing. The operator's systems verify the SPCD's eligibility for sponsored connectivity, authenticate the connection, and handle billing with the service provider. This centralized intermediary approach manages the complexity of security and billing at the network level rather than requiring complex local implementation in each SPCD or mobile device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the SPCD sends authentication requests to the mobile device, which forwards them to the operator's network. The network responds with authentication decisions and billing information, creating a closed-loop feedback system that automatically manages security and billing. This automated feedback process reduces manual intervention and simplifies the management of sponsored connectivity arrangements.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed which relate to establishing a sponsored tethered connectivity (STC) connection by tethering a special purpose connected device (SPCD) through a tethering mobile device having network access. The SPCD accesses an application server on the network and is authenticated before service to the SPCD begins. Once authenticated, the service provider is billed for the STC connection instead of a user of the tethering mobile device.