Virtual Roaming Layer for Value-Added Mobile Services
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile network operators face challenges in providing value-added services to subscribers without modifying their mobile networks or billing infrastructure, particularly in scenarios involving virtual roaming.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that enable a mobile network operator to provide value-added services by virtually roaming subscribers onto another network operator's network, utilizing a virtual network to activate subscriptions, route calls, execute services, and generate records without altering the MNO's infrastructure, facilitated by a virtual roaming mobility function and billing system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If MNO modifies their mobile network or billing infrastructure to provide value-added services, then service functionality is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual network as an intermediary layer between the MNO and the home network. This virtual network handles all value-added service operations, call routing, and billing record generation, allowing the MNO to provide enhanced services without modifying their core infrastructure. The virtual network acts as a mediator that translates and manages service requirements while the MNO's existing systems remain unchanged.
2Adaptability or versatility
If MNO modifies their mobile network or billing infrastructure to provide value-added services, then service functionality is improved, but implementation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual network serves as a cost-effective intermediary that eliminates the need for expensive infrastructure modifications. By deploying services in a virtual environment, the MNO avoids capital expenditures on hardware and software modifications while still delivering value-added services. The virtual network leverages existing resources from both the MNO and partner networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of network functionality rather than modifying the physical infrastructure. The virtual network replicates essential billing and service management functions in a software-based environment, allowing the MNO to offer enhanced services without the high costs associated with physical infrastructure changes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If MNO uses another network's infrastructure to provide services, then service innovation is improved, but network control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual network acts as a controlled intermediary that maintains the MNO's authority over service delivery. While leveraging partner network infrastructure, the virtual network implements MNO-defined policies, billing rules, and service logic. This ensures the MNO retains control over customer experience and billing accuracy while benefiting from extended network capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
An example operation may include one or more of transmitting, via a virtual network, a message to a home network informing the home network that a home network subscriber device is roaming on the virtual network, activating, via the virtual network, a mobile subscription for the home network subscriber device on the virtual network, receiving, via the virtual network, a call for the home network subscriber device that is routed from the home network, routing the call from the virtual network to the home network subscriber device with the activated mobile subscription, wherein the routing further comprises executing, via the virtual network, value added services while routing the call from the virtual network to the home network subscriber device, generating, via the virtual network, a record of the executed value added services, and submitting, via the virtual network, the generated record to the home network.