Tethering Control via Profile-Based Packet Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
The proliferation of smartphones using high data-rate communications is causing excessive bandwidth consumption, leading to a heavy load on wireless networks and degrading the quality of service for all users, particularly when mobile devices are used as wireless routers for other Internet-capable devices without proper management.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allow network operators to manage mobile devices in tethering mode based on user profiles and subscription agreements, using a billing and rating engine to differentiate and charge for normal versus tethering usage, by receiving and processing message packets from tethered devices and discarding packets if the mobile device is not permitted to pass messages on behalf of tethered devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mobile devices are allowed to operate in tethering mode to connect multiple wireless devices, then device versatility and user convenience are improved, but network bandwidth consumption increases and service quality degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network access rights by creating separate user profiles that distinguish between regular mobile device usage and tethering mode usage. The system divides bandwidth allocation and access permissions into distinct categories, allowing tethering functionality to be controlled independently through profile-based access control lists that manage which devices can connect and under what conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing user profiles and access control policies before tethering connections are established. The system pre-configures bandwidth allocation, authentication mechanisms, and access rights in the network infrastructure, so that when a mobile device attempts to connect in tethering mode, the decisions are made in advance based on predefined criteria rather than reactive management.
2Ease of operation
If mobile devices are permitted to route messages for tethered devices, then ease of operation is improved, but network infrastructure load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces network infrastructure elements (such as gateway nodes and policy enforcement points) as intermediaries between mobile devices and the core network. These intermediary components handle the message routing decisions and bandwidth management, preventing the load from directly impacting the mobile device itself while maintaining ease of operation for end users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the network continuously monitors tethering connection parameters, bandwidth usage, and connection status. Based on this feedback, the network dynamically adjusts access rights, allocates bandwidth, and manages connection quality, ensuring that the network infrastructure load remains manageable while maintaining operational ease for users.
3Ease of operation
If unlimited tethering access is provided, then user convenience is improved, but network resource utilization control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic network resource management by making bandwidth allocation, access rights, and connection parameters adjustable rather than fixed. The system can dynamically modify these parameters based on real-time conditions, user profiles, and network availability, allowing the network to optimize resource utilization while maintaining user convenience through flexible rather than rigid controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key parameters such as bandwidth allocation, connection duration, and access rights based on user profiles and network conditions. By modifying these parameters dynamically rather than providing fixed unlimited access, the network maintains control over resource utilization while preserving user convenience through adaptive rather than static management.
4Reliability
If tethering mode is detected and managed through packet processing, then network control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses network infrastructure intermediaries (gateway nodes, policy enforcement points) to handle complex packet processing and tethering detection tasks. These intermediary components perform the heavy lifting of message analysis, profile matching, and access control decisions, keeping the mobile device itself simple while maintaining strong network control through the intermediary layer.
Data Source
AI summary
A way for managing use of a mobile wireless device in a tethering configuration is described. The disclosed mobile wireless system is configured to receive a message packet issued from a device tethered to the mobile wireless device. The system determines whether the mobile wireless device is permitted to pass messages on behalf of tethered devices by referencing a profile with which the mobile device is associated. The mobile wireless system discards the received message packet in response to determining from the profile that the mobile wireless device is not permitted to pass messages on behalf of tethered devices. Moreover, a number of ways for monetizing the supported tethering mode are described such that a service provider is adequately compensated for the increased demand on the mobile wireless network resources arising from support for the tethering mode of operation for a mobile wireless device.