Wireless Device Tethering Detection via Data Similarity

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Solution Overview

Problem

WWAN providers face increased costs and bandwidth limitations due to unauthorized tethering of wireless communication devices, which aggregates data transfer and can exceed base station capacity, prompting efforts to regulate or disable the tethering feature, but users may still find ways to enable it through modifications.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus within wireless communication devices to detect and alert on tethering activity by determining a threshold similarity between incoming and outgoing data, generating a tethering alert, and determining unauthorized use, which can trigger actions such as disabling interfaces or prompting users to pay for authorization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If tethering feature is enabled to allow data sharing between WCDs, then user convenience and device versatility are improved, but network bandwidth capacity and provider costs worsen due to aggregated data transfer exceeding base station limits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetethering capabilityVSAvoiddata transfer volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of data packets by comparing incoming and outgoing data characteristics before full data transfer occurs. This preliminary action identifies tethering patterns early, allowing the system to take preventive measures such as blocking further data transfer or alerting the user, thus preventing excessive bandwidth consumption while maintaining legitimate tethering functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the WCD continuously monitors and compares incoming and outgoing data patterns. When similarity exceeds a threshold, the system generates alerts and can automatically adjust tethering behavior. This closed-loop feedback allows dynamic control of data transfer based on real-time analysis, balancing user convenience with network resource management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Quantity of substance

If WWAN provider regulates or disables tethering feature to control data usage, then network bandwidth management is improved, but user convenience and device functionality worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer controlVSAvoidtethering usability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The WCD autonomously performs data pattern analysis and self-regulates tethering behavior without requiring external provider intervention. The device independently compares incoming and outgoing data, identifies unauthorized tethering patterns, and automatically generates alerts or blocks transfers. This self-service approach maintains user convenience for legitimate use while automatically preventing abusive behavior, eliminating the need for provider-imposed restrictions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes operational parameters such as data transfer thresholds and alert triggers based on analyzed patterns. By adjusting these parameters, the system can adapt to different usage scenarios, allowing legitimate tethering while blocking unauthorized use. This parameter-based control provides flexible management that preserves user convenience for approved activities while restricting problematic behavior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If additional base stations are added to handle increased data demand from tethering, then network coverage and capacity are improved, but infrastructure costs and system complexity worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidnetwork infrastructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of unauthorized tethering (excessive data consumption) into a beneficial detection opportunity. By analyzing data patterns and identifying similarity between incoming and outgoing packets, the system transforms what would be a network burden into an actionable signal that triggers alerts or blocks. This approach prevents bandwidth exhaustion without requiring additional infrastructure, turning a potential problem into a control mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS9237028B1Method and apparatus for generating a tethering alert based on a threshold similarity between incoming data and outgoing data

Publication Date: 2016.01.12 SPRINT SPECTRUM LLC

AI summary

Disclosed herein are a method and a corresponding apparatus that provides a tethering alert if the apparatus is tethering data. In one example, a method for providing a tethering alert by an apparatus having a first network communication interface and a second network communication interface is disclosed. The method includes i) receiving incoming data via one of the first network communication interface and the second network communication interface, ii) sending outgoing data via the other of the first network communication interface and the second network communication interface, iii) making a determination that there is a threshold similarity between the incoming data and the outgoing data, and iv) responsive to making the determination, the apparatus providing a tethering alert indicating that the apparatus is tethering data.