Telecommunications Network Time-Based Access Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current telecommunications networks face challenges in efficiently managing and optimizing the use of network resources, particularly in controlling client behavior and terminal data transmission, leading to inefficient use of resources.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method to deny access to the network during specified time intervals for terminals, allowing network operators to manage resource usage by preventing network attach or PDP context establishment during peak hours, thereby saving resources and offering lower subscription rates for machine-to-machine applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If access is allowed at all times to meet client demand, then client service availability is improved, but network resource efficiency deteriorates due to peak load consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclient service availabilityVSAvoidnetwork resource efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic access control by introducing time-based restrictions that adapt to network conditions. The system dynamically determines grant access time intervals based on network load, allowing flexible adjustment between unrestricted access (when resources are abundant) and restricted access (during peak loads), thereby resolving the contradiction between service availability and resource efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the temporal parameter of access control by introducing time interval restrictions. By modifying when access is permitted rather than whether access is permitted, the system enables network operators to control resource consumption patterns while maintaining service availability during acceptable time windows, thus resolving the efficiency-availability trade-off

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If volume-based billing is used to control client behavior, then network resource management is improved, but control effectiveness deteriorates due to limited influence on client transmission patterns

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork resource managementVSAvoidcontrol effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by establishing time-based access restrictions before network resource consumption occurs. Instead of reacting to excessive usage through billing mechanisms, the system proactively prevents access during designated restricted periods, thereby achieving more effective control over client transmission patterns and network resource utilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces time interval parameters as an intermediary control mechanism between the network operator and client terminals. This intermediary layer provides finer-grained control over access patterns compared to coarse volume-based billing, enabling more versatile management of network resources while maintaining client service availability within acceptable time windows

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If M2M applications are allowed unrestricted access, then application functionality is improved, but network resource consumption worsens during peak hours

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication functionalityVSAvoidnetwork resource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by allowing M2M applications to access the network during specific time intervals rather than continuously. By scheduling access during off-peak periods when network resources are less utilized, the system maintains application functionality while significantly reducing resource consumption during peak hours, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and resource quantity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP2400734B2Telecommunications network and method for time-based network access
Publication Date: 2022.09.28 KONINK KPN NV
  • EP2400734B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2400734B2 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2400734B2 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

The invention relates to a telecommunications network configured for providing access to a plurality of terminals is proposed and a method therefore. Each terminal comprises a unique identifier for accessing the telecommunications network. The telecommunications network comprises a register, an access request receiver and an access module. The register is configured for storing the unique identifier of at least one terminal in combination with at least one grant access time interval, or an equivalent thereof, during which access for the terminal is permitted. The access request receiver is configured for receiving the access request and the unique identifier for accessing the telecommunications network from the terminal. The access module is configured for denying access for the terminal if the access request is received outside the time interval, or the equivalent thereof.