Virtual Wireless Network HLR Architecture for Cost Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of wireless devices subscribed to specific wireless or virtual wireless networks face restrictions in choosing call set-up routes and accessing web servers, as mobile network operators have economic incentives to limit freedom in selecting the cheapest network for outgoing traffic, and the control over Home Location Registers (HLR) creates barriers for virtual wireless network operators offering lower cost services.
Innovation Solution
A virtual wireless network apparatus with a server running a Home Location Register associated with a virtual wireless network operator, allowing remote management of IMSI selection for lowest cost call routing, including multiple HLRs, an Equipment Identity Register, Authentication Centre, Media Gateway, and interfaces for communication with wireless and public access networks, enabling users to choose the cheapest call set-up route and access any desired web server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mobile network operators control Home Location Registers (HLR), then network operators can restrict users' freedom to choose call set-up routes, but this creates barriers for virtual wireless network operators offering lower cost services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual wireless network operator as an intermediary layer between users and physical network operators. This virtual operator manages HLR databases and call routing logic, allowing users to access multiple physical networks through a single virtual operator without requiring direct control of physical infrastructure. The virtual operator acts as a mediator that provides user freedom while maintaining a manageable control structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the wireless network control into separate functional layers: physical network operators maintain infrastructure, while virtual network operators manage subscriber databases and routing logic. This segmentation allows virtual operators to offer flexible call routing options without the complexity of managing physical networks, resolving the contradiction between user freedom and control complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless network operators restrict outgoing traffic types, then network operators can control call tariffs, but users are limited to one wireless network in their home country
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the virtual wireless network operator universal by enabling it to interconnect with multiple physical wireless networks across different countries. A single virtual operator provides multi-functionality, allowing users to access various physical networks through one virtual operator interface, thereby increasing both adaptability and ease of operation simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual operator serves as an intermediary that translates user requests into appropriate physical network selections. This mediator layer provides users with ease of operation (single interface) while enabling access to multiple networks (adaptability), resolving the contradiction between these two parameters.
3Ease of manufacture
If virtual wireless network operators use commercial agreements with wireless network operators, then virtual networks can operate without physical basestations, but entry barriers remain due to HLR control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the HLR database management function from physical network operators and places it under virtual network operator control. This extraction allows virtual operators to enter the market more easily by managing only subscriber data and routing logic without the complexity of physical infrastructure, while still providing full network access capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables virtual network operators to create simplified copies of network functionality by implementing HLR databases that mirror the subscriber management capabilities of physical operators. This copying approach reduces entry barriers by allowing virtual operators to provide essential network functions without replicating the full complexity of physical infrastructure control.
Data Source
AI summary
A virtual wireless network including a server running a home location register (HLR), the home location register being associated solely with a virtual wireless network operator that does not have any licensed frequency spectrum, but provides wireless services to a subscriber by using the wireless basestations of a wireless network operator that does have licensed frequency spectrum.