Method and system for using an integrated subscriber identity module in a network interface unit
First Claim
1. A system for providing portability of subscription services associated with a particular user among a plurality of devices at a plurality of locations in a network comprising:
- at least one network interface unit for interfacing user devices with the network;
a SIM means for storing user-associated authentication, authorization and policy control information, the SIM means being capable of being used in any of the at least one network interface units so that the subscription services of the user can be accessed at any one of the at least one network interface units; and
an interface means for transferring information from the SIM means to the network interface unit.
11 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Subscriber-associated authentication, authorization and policy control information is stored on a SIM (preprogrammed or user programmed) to facilitate an NIU at a location granting or denying access to a plurality of services when the programmed SIM or virtual SIM resides in the NIU. A provider stores a message in the SIM based on a payment, which determines the level and period of services to be provided. The SIM can be removed and transported among a plurality of NIUs so that paid-for services follow the SIM
Each NIU may receive data from a single source and distribute appropriate telephony, data and video services to telephones, computers and televisions, respectively, based on the level and duration of the services requested by a user/subscriber. Thus, services access and billing are user-associated and location-independent. The SIM can be renewable or disposable, and can be programmed before or after purchase by a subscriber.
54 Citations
40 Claims
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1. A system for providing portability of subscription services associated with a particular user among a plurality of devices at a plurality of locations in a network comprising:
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at least one network interface unit for interfacing user devices with the network;
a SIM means for storing user-associated authentication, authorization and policy control information, the SIM means being capable of being used in any of the at least one network interface units so that the subscription services of the user can be accessed at any one of the at least one network interface units; and
an interface means for transferring information from the SIM means to the network interface unit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A system for facilitating portability of subscription services among a plurality of devices at a plurality of locations in a network comprising:
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at least one network interface unit for interfacing user devices with the network; and
a virtual SIM means for authorizing access to the services, the virtual SIM means providing authentication, authorization, policy control information and gatekeeping functionality in any of the at least one network interface units so that the subscription services of a given user can be accessed at any one of the at least one network interface units. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A method for accessing a suite of subscription services between a plurality of network interface units comprising:
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requesting the services;
providing information for payment for the suite of services;
receiving a message that credit for the suite of services has been granted;
storing the message that credit for the suite of services has been granted to a SIM means; and
using the SIM means and the credit message stored therein with the network interface unit to grant access to the requested services. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
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34. A method for providing portability of a suite of subscription services between a plurality of network interface units, comprising:
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receiving a request for the services;
receiving account and billing information to be used for payment of the services; and
downloading to a SIM means a message that credit for the suite of services has been granted, the message being capable of authorizing the network interface unit to grant access to any of the requested services when the SIM means is used in the network interface unit. - View Dependent Claims (35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40)
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Specification