XCAP Service Control for Mobile Data Bearer Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The ability of users to control mobile data services in LTE networks is not efficient or effective, as existing systems do not allow for seamless enabling and disabling of mobile data bearers based on user instructions, leading to inconsistent service availability.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an Extensible Mark-up Language Configuration Access Protocol (XCAP) service that enables and disables mobile data bearers within the LTE network, allowing users to control their mobile data services by transferring instructions through various communication links, and automatically managing bearer establishment and termination based on user preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the HSS blocks communication services by disabling APNs, then service control is achieved, but user control flexibility is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments service control into two independent layers: network-level control (HSS blocking APNs) and device-level control (user preferences stored in UE). This allows both automated network enforcement and flexible user customization to coexist, resolving the contradiction between control effectiveness and user flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the UE acts as a mediator between the user's control preferences and the network's service delivery. The device stores user preferences locally and uses them to selectively enable/disable data sessions, bridging the gap between rigid network blocking and flexible user control.
2Ease of operation
If the network automatically establishes bearers on registration, then service availability is improved, but user control over data usage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the UE pre-configure service restriction preferences in its local database before actual data sessions are established. When the device registers with the network, these pre-configured preferences automatically guide bearer establishment decisions, ensuring user control is in place before service activation occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service by allowing the UE to autonomously evaluate user preferences and automatically prevent data session establishment without requiring continuous network intervention. The device independently monitors its own service usage patterns and enforces user-defined restrictions, reducing the need for complex network-side control mechanisms.
3Productivity
If mobile data services are disabled for roaming, then data usage control is achieved, but service consistency across networks is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a service restriction mechanism that functions consistently across different network types (home and roaming networks). The UE's local preference database universally applies user-defined restrictions regardless of which network the device is currently registered with, ensuring consistent service behavior across diverse network environments.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless network receives a registration from a wireless device. The network identifies an Extensible Mark-up Language Configuration Access Protocol (XCAP) service and establishes an XCAP bearer for the wireless device. The network receives an enabling instruction over the XCAP bearer to enable the mobile data service and establishes a mobile data bearer for the wireless device. The network exchanges user data with the wireless device over the mobile data bearer. The network automatically establishes the mobile data bearer for the wireless device responsive to subsequent registrations when the mobile data service is enabled. The network receives a disabling instruction over the XCAP bearer to disable the mobile data service for the wireless device. The network terminates the mobile data bearer for the wireless device and does not automatically establish the mobile data bearer for the wireless device responsive to subsequent registrations when the mobile data service is disabled.