User Equipment Configuration via Local Network Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for provisioning user equipment in mobile telecommunications are laborious, prone to errors, and vulnerable to fraud, especially in areas with poor network coverage, and lack scalability with increasing services and service providers.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that involves installing a user agent in user equipment to transform configuration messages into a format compatible with the equipment's management routines, allowing local provisioning without manufacturer involvement, and includes secure authentication and registration processes to reduce fraud opportunities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If configuration information is delivered via primary telecommunications channel (GPRS/3G), then provisioning can be performed remotely, but the method fails in areas with poor network coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a local network node (base station) as an intermediary to deliver configuration information. Instead of relying solely on the primary telecommunications channel (GPRS/3G) which fails in poor coverage areas, the configuration data is transmitted through the local radio network node that has reliable coverage, enabling provisioning even when the primary channel is unavailable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses locally available delivery media (such as Bluetooth, WLAN, or cable connections) to partially deliver the configuration information when the primary channel is insufficient. This partial action through alternative local channels ensures that provisioning can proceed even when complete delivery via the primary telecommunications channel is not possible
2Ease of operation
If local provisioning is implemented using proprietary manipulation of configuration information, then configuration can be performed locally, but the system lacks scalability with increasing services and providers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal transformation mechanism that can handle multiple configuration formats and delivery channels. The system is designed to work with different local delivery media (Bluetooth, WLAN, cable) and can transform various incoming configuration formats into the required proprietary format, enabling multiple service providers to access the system without requiring device manufacturer contribution for each specific case
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a transformation layer that acts as an intermediary between the incoming configuration information from various providers and the device's internal configuration system. This transformation mechanism standardizes the interface, allowing different service providers to deliver configuration data in their own formats while the system universally transforms them into the required format, thereby achieving scalability
3Ease of operation
If user credentials (username and password) are used for authentication, then users can identify themselves to the service, but the system becomes vulnerable to fraud
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses device identifiers (such as device ID, IMEI, or MAC address) as copies or representations of the user's identity instead of relying solely on user-provided credentials. These device identifiers are inherently tied to the physical device and are difficult to replicate or steal, providing a more secure form of identification that cannot be easily fraudulently obtained like usernames and passwords
4Ease of operation
If graphical user interface is used for provisioning, then users can manually configure devices, but the process becomes laborious and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated client provisioning where the device automatically receives, transforms, and applies configuration information without requiring manual user interaction through graphical interfaces. The system performs self-service provisioning by autonomously processing configuration data delivered through local channels, eliminating the laborious and error-prone manual configuration process while maintaining the ability for users to review and confirm changes if needed
Data Source
AI summary
A method of managing configuration of user equipment that has a configuration database modifiable with configuration data in a first format, and a communications unit for receiving configuration data in a second format is described. The method comprises storing a user agent at the user equipment; providing received configuration data in the second format to the user agent; using the user agent to transform the configuration data into the first format in the user equipment; and modifying the configuration database with the configuration data in the first format.