Dynamic VAS Control via Account Status Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile network operators face challenges in dynamically adjusting Value Added Services (VAS) packages for users due to static routing topologies and subscription constraints, making it difficult to provide services flexibly based on user payment abilities or account balances.
Innovation Solution
A method and network entity that receive account status indications from other network entities to determine and transmit VAS control policies to network controllers, allowing for dynamic and flexible VAS provision by prohibiting, restricting, or enabling services based on account balances and quotas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a static routing topology is used to route user traffic through VAS servers, then the network structure is simple and stable, but the network operator cannot dynamically adjust the VAS package provided to the user based on account status or business requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control of VAS routing by allowing the network entity to modify routing topology based on account status. The routing path is no longer static but can be dynamically adjusted by prohibiting, restricting, or enabling VAS provision according to real-time account conditions, transforming the rigid routing structure into a flexible, adaptive system.
Solution Approach 2:
The network entity receives account status information from the charging system and uses this feedback to determine appropriate VAS control policies. This feedback mechanism enables the system to continuously monitor account conditions and adjust routing decisions accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing business requirements and user payment abilities.
2Reliability
If the network operator provides comprehensive VAS packages to all users, then user service quality is high, but users with insufficient account balance continue to consume services without proper restriction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from a binary service provision decision to a multi-level control based on account status parameters. By evaluating account balance against threshold values and determining control actions (prohibit, restrict, or enable) based on these parameters, the system achieves precise control over service provision while maintaining operational simplicity through automated threshold-based decision-making.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the network entity continuously monitors account status and dynamically adjusts VAS control policies, then business flexibility is enhanced, but the system complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network entity autonomously determines VAS control policies based on received account status information without requiring manual intervention or complex external coordination. The system self-adjusts routing decisions by comparing account status against predefined thresholds and automatically applying appropriate control actions, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high business flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method (200) in a network entity for control of a Value Added Service (VAS) to be provided for a user. The method (200) comprises: receiving (S210) from another network entity an indication of an account status of a VAS related account associated with the user; determining (S220) a VAS control policy for the VAS based on the account status; and transmitting (S230) the VAS control policy to a network controller that controls provision of the VAS.