Surrogate Access Point Yield Management for Network Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication networks face inefficiencies due to redundant subscriptions and underutilization of licensed spectrum resources, as users increasingly opt for unlicensed band services like WiFi, leading to reduced revenue for operators.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dynamic subscription and smart data pricing model using yield management techniques, where subscriber devices act as surrogate access points to extend network access and monetize available resources, by offering variable pricing based on supply and demand, and utilizing existing hardware capabilities to manage network capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users subscribe to both WWAN and WLAN services for frequent access choices, then communication flexibility is improved, but power resource efficiency deteriorates and subscription revenue is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a surrogate access point as an intermediary device that enables indirect network access. Instead of users directly subscribing to and using both WWAN and WLAN services, the surrogate access point mediates by providing relay access to the WWAN network through WLAN technology. This allows users to benefit from flexible access choices while the surrogate device manages the actual connection and power consumption, resolving the contradiction between access flexibility and power efficiency.
2Reliability
If users subscribe to both WWAN and WLAN services, then communication service availability is improved, but subscription revenue for individual services deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The surrogate access point acts as an intermediary that enables users to access the WWAN network indirectly through WLAN technology. This mediation allows the WWAN operator to maintain subscription revenue by providing specialized relay access services through the surrogate device, while users still achieve reliable communication service availability through multiple access paths. The surrogate access point creates a new revenue stream that doesn't require users to subscribe to both services directly.
3Ease of operation
If operators rely on traditional licensed spectrum access, then network control is improved, but competitive advantage against unlicensed band services deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges licensed spectrum (WWAN) and unlicensed spectrum (WLAN) technologies by using the surrogate access point to relay WWAN traffic through WLAN interfaces. This combination allows operators to maintain control over the licensed spectrum resources while simultaneously competing with unlicensed band services by providing integrated access that leverages the strengths of both technologies. The surrogate device combines the reliability of licensed spectrum with the ubiquity of unlicensed spectrum access points.
Solution Approach 2:
The surrogate access point serves multiple functions: it acts as a WLAN access point for local devices, a relay for WWAN traffic, and a revenue generation mechanism for the operator. This multi-functionality allows the operator to maintain control over licensed spectrum while adapting to the competitive landscape by providing versatile access solutions that work across both licensed and unlicensed bands, enhancing competitiveness against pure unlicensed band services.
Data Source
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AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure provide for yield management models for dynamically pricing access to wireless communication services. In some examples, access to a network is intermediated by a surrogate access point, which may act as a proxy or relay, expanding communication services to client devices that otherwise may lack a subscription, or may lack a suitable communication interface, to communicate directly with the wireless network. Here, the surrogate access point may be a subscriber device or user equipment. By utilizing the yield management model, the surrogate access point may receive compensation for sharing its connection to the network with nearby client devices. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also claimed and described.