Subscriber Access Control via Updated Network Identifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Advanced wireless devices can bypass gateways, making it difficult for service providers to block subscribers with unpaid bills, resulting in ambiguous error messages that waste time and resources for both providers and subscribers.
Innovation Solution
Assigning an updated network identifier to wireless devices indicating a default account status, redirecting them to a bill payment website upon access requests, ensuring subscribers are informed of payment defaults and can rectify the issue promptly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If advanced wireless devices are used to provide better website content display, then device functionality is improved, but gateway-based access control is bypassed making payment default detection difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication system that operates between the wireless device and the network. This intermediary uses device identifiers (IMEI, IMSI) to verify payment status and grant or deny network access, thereby maintaining control without requiring traditional gateway infrastructure that advanced devices can bypass.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/gateway-based access control system with an electronic identifier-based system. Instead of relying on gateway intermediaries that modify web content, the system uses electronic verification of device identifiers and payment status to control network access, making it effective against advanced devices that can bypass traditional gateways.
2Device complexity
If traditional gateway-based blocking is used for non-paying subscribers, then access control is simplified, but clear notification of payment default is not provided causing ambiguous error messages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the authentication system not only blocks access for non-paying subscribers but also provides clear feedback by returning specific error messages that notify users of their payment default status. This feedback loop informs users of the reason for access denial and directs them to payment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by providing automated notification of payment default through clear error messages and directing users to self-service payment portals. Users can independently resolve their access issues by making payments without requiring manual intervention from customer support.
3Reliability
If gateway intermediaries are used to control access, then payment default blocking is effective, but customer support resources are wasted handling ambiguous access errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where subscribers receive automated notifications of payment defaults and can independently resolve their access issues by making payments through provided channels. This eliminates the need for customer support intervention in routine payment default cases, freeing support resources for more complex issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate feedback to subscribers about their payment status and access denial reasons, enabling them to self-correct the issue by making payments. This feedback mechanism prevents confusion and reduces the need for customers to contact support for clarification.
Data Source
AI summary
Computer media, systems, and methods for blocking subscriber network access and managing subscriber network access are provided. A subscriber account, having an associated wireless device with a network identifier, is determined to be in payment default. An updated network identifier that reflects the default status is assigned and transmitted to the wireless device. Subsequent requests for network access from the wireless device will be redirected to a bill payment website, at least in part because the updated network identifier indicates that the subscriber account associated with the wireless device is in payment default.