Transit Gatekeeper for MVNO Network Routing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) face challenges in managing their networks to prevent misuse as transit networks by Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), particularly due to concerns over cost, network capacity, and complex usage settlement, which existing systems fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a transit gatekeeper system with logic to determine and manage SIP peering, using a Home Location Register (HLR) and Breakout Gateway Control Function (BGCF) to route communications based on predefined conditions, allowing or denying MVNOs access to the MNO network as a transit network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If MNOs allow MVNOs to use their networks as transit networks, then MVNOs can provide services leveraging MNO infrastructure, but MNOs face costs, network capacity consumption, and complex usage settlement issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Session Border Controller (SBC) as an intermediary component that mediates between MVNOs and the MNO network. The SBC implements policy control, session management, and usage monitoring to enable MVNO service provision while protecting MNO network resources. The SBC acts as a gatekeeper that enforces pricing policies and controls transit network usage, resolving the contradiction by allowing service versatility while preventing resource exhaustion.
2Loss of energy
If MNOs implement strict control over transit network usage, then network capacity and costs are protected, but service provision flexibility and settlement complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the SBC automatically monitors usage, enforces policies, and manages settlement processes without requiring complex manual intervention. The system automatically tracks MVNO usage patterns, applies predefined pricing rules, and generates settlement data. This automation reduces settlement complexity while maintaining strict network capacity control, resolving the contradiction between protection and complexity.
3Reliability
If MNOs implement usage monitoring and policy control, then transit network misuse is prevented, but system complexity and operational overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the Session Border Controller to perform multiple functions simultaneously: session management, policy enforcement, usage monitoring, pricing calculation, and settlement support. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional platform, the system achieves reliable transit network control without proportionally increasing overall system complexity. The SBC's universal design allows it to handle diverse MVNO requirements while maintaining standardized control mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
This disclosure is directed at least partly to routing calls and/or other communications from a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) that uses a Mobile Network Operator (MNO) as a transit network. The MVNOs may desire to use the MNO's network as a transit network to complete or terminate calls from users who may be roaming and/or are on other access networks such as Wi-Fi. The MNO may implement logic to determine whether to allow the MNO's network to be used as a transit network based at least in part on conditions such as one or more of agreements with an MVNO, business considerations, and/or other considerations (e.g., network bandwidth, etc.). The logic may enforce the rules by selectively allowing some communications and denying other communications.