Virtual SIM Platform Split Billing via Dynamic FIB Association
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity in distinguishing and billing for personal and work-related usage on mobile devices under the 'bring your own device' (BYOD) policy makes it difficult for employers and users to allocate resources and manage costs effectively, as existing systems struggle to separate personal and work-related data and voice usage.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a virtual SIM platform (VSP) and multiple forwarding information bases (FIBs) to enable split billing by assigning different cellular data interfaces to work and personal applications, allowing for separate billing plans and data routing based on application identities, thereby facilitating the separation of work and personal usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single cellular data interface is used for both personal and work applications, then device simplicity is maintained, but billing accuracy and resource allocation become complex and difficult to distinguish
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single cellular data interface into multiple virtual interfaces using FIBs (Forwarding Information Bases). Each FIB acts as an independent routing table that can be associated with different applications, enabling separate billing tracks for personal and work usage while maintaining a single physical interface. This segmentation allows precise measurement and tracking of data usage per application without requiring multiple physical interfaces.
2Measurement precision
If multiple cellular data interfaces are implemented for separate billing, then billing accuracy improves, but device complexity and configuration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces FIBs as intermediary routing tables that mediate between applications and the physical cellular interface. These FIBs serve as virtual switching mechanisms that can be dynamically associated with applications without requiring physical interface changes. The system automatically manages the association between applications and FIBs, reducing configuration complexity while maintaining accurate usage tracking for billing purposes.
3Measurement precision
If applications are statically assigned to specific cellular interfaces, then billing separation is achieved, but system adaptability and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic association between applications and FIBs, allowing the system to adaptively assign applications to appropriate routing tables based on current needs. The FIBs can be dynamically created, modified, and associated with different applications without requiring static pre-configuration. This dynamic approach maintains accurate data attribution for billing while providing flexibility for application switching and reassignment.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method at a user equipment to facilitate splitting of data billing between at least two parties, the method assigning a first subset of application to a first forwarding information base ("FIB") on the user equipment; associating the first FIB with a first cellular data interface; activating the splitting of data billing on the user equipment; and replacing the association in the first FIB to the first cellular interface with an association between a second cellular data interface and the first FIB.