User-Specific Policy Allocation in Intelligent Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication network policies are based on device identifiers rather than user identifiers, limiting the ability to implement user-specific policies, such as content restrictions and usage limits, especially in scenarios where multiple users share the same device.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a policy function receives a subscription identifier and identifies linked policies associated with different user identifiers, allowing for dynamic policy allocation based on the active user, enabling user-specific service authorization and granular policy control by determining and transmitting the active policy for the subscription.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If device-based policy implementation is used, then policy management is simple and device-level control is achieved, but user-specific policy control cannot be implemented when multiple users share the same device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the policy control system by introducing user identifiers (UID) as a separate dimension from device identifiers (subscription ID). Each user can have their own policy profile linked to the subscription, allowing individualized policy enforcement while maintaining the existing subscription-based device identification structure. This segmentation enables multiple users to share a device with distinct policy controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to policy control by introducing user-level identification (UID) alongside the existing subscription-level identification (SID). This dimensional expansion transforms the policy management from a single-layer subscription-based model to a two-layer model where policies can be enforced at both subscription level and user level, enabling granular control without replacing the existing device identification mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If application-level content blocking is used, then some content restrictions can be implemented, but network-level policy enforcement and granular usage limits cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a policy function as an intermediary component that receives subscription identifiers from the network, determines the active user identifier, and retrieves the corresponding user-specific policies. This intermediary layer enables network-level policy enforcement by bridging the gap between network infrastructure and user-specific policy requirements, allowing granular control without requiring complex modifications to existing network elements.
3Ease of operation
If a single policy applies to all users sharing a subscription, then policy management is simplified, but user-specific restrictions and controls cannot be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the policy management system universal by designing it to handle both subscription-level policies and user-specific policies through a unified framework. The policy function can retrieve and enforce policies at multiple levels (subscription and user), allowing the system to adapt to different operational needs - whether simple device-level control or complex user-specific restrictions - without requiring separate management mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A method for implementing user defined policies in a communication network. In one aspect, a policy function (e.g, an online charging system (OCS)) receives a policy information request comprising a subscription identifier, SID, identifying a subscription where a set of two or more policies are linked to the SID and one of the policies included in the set of policies is set as an active policy for the subscription and where each policy is associated with a different user identifier, UID. The policy function determines the policy that is set as the active policy for the subscription identified by the SID included in the policy information request. Using the determined UID, the policy function obtains and transmits the active policy.