Roaming services network and overlay networks

• US 20100190470A1
• Filed: 03/02/2009
• Published: 07/29/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 01/28/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Headwater Research LLC (Greg Raleigh)
• Original Assignee: Greg Raleigh
• Inventors: Raleigh, Gregory G.
• Granted Patent: US 8,839,387 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/406
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 15/177 Initialisation or configuration control processor initialisation G06F9/4405
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/06315 Needs-based resource requirements planning or analysis
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/06375 Prediction of business process outcome or impact based on a proposed change
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/102 Bill distribution or payments
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/20 Point-of-sale [POS] network systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/32 using wireless devices
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/40 Authorisation, e.g. identification of payer or payee, verification of customer or shop credentials; Review and approval of payers, e.g. check credit lines or negative lists
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0207 Discounts or incentives, e.g. coupons or rebates
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0241 Advertisements
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0283 Price estimation or determination
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0284 Time or distance, e.g. usage of parking meters or taximeters
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/04 Billing or invoicing
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0601 Electronic shopping [e-shopping]
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/00 Finance; Insurance; Tax strategies; Processing of corporate or income taxes
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/12 Accounting
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/14 Charging , metering or billing arrangements for data wireline or wireless communications
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/1407 Policy-and-charging control [PCC] architecture
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/0806 for initial configuration or provisioning, e.g. plug-and-play
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/0876 Aspects of the degree of configuration automation
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/0893 Assignment of logical groups to network elements
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/0894 : Policy-based network configuration management
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/5003 : Managing SLA; Interaction between SLA and QoS
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/5025 : by proactively reacting to service quality change, e.g. by reconfiguration after service quality degradation or upgrade
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/5054 : Automatic deployment of services triggered by the service manager, e.g. service implementation by automatic configuration of network components
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 47/20 : Traffic policing
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 47/2408 : for supporting different services, e.g. a differentiated services [DiffServ] type of service
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/046 : Interoperability with other network applications or services
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0236 : Filtering by address, protocol, port number or service, e.g. IP-address or URL
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/04 : for providing a confidential data exchange among entities communicating through data packet networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0428 : wherein the data content is protected, e.g. by encrypting or encapsulating the payload
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/08 : for authentication of entities cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication H04L9/32
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0853 : using an additional device, e.g. smartcard, SIM or a different communication terminal cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication involving additional secure or trusted devices H04L9/3234
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0892 : by using authentication-authorization-accounting [AAA] servers or protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/10 : for controlling access to devices or network resources
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/20 : for managing network security; network security policies in general filtering policies H04L63/0227
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/145 : avoiding end of session, e.g. keep-alive, heartbeats, resumption message or wake-up for inactive or interrupted session
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/306 : User profiles
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/34 : involving the movement of software or configuration parameters network booting or remote initial program loading [RIPL] G06F9/4416
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/51 : Discovery or management thereof, e.g. service location protocol [SLP] or web services
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/55 : Push-based network services
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/564 : Enhancement of application control based on intercepted application data
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/63 : Routing a service request depending on the request content or context
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/32 : including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system or for message authentication, e.g. authorization, entity authentication, data integrity or data verification, non-repudiation, key authentication or verification of credentials
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/3247 : involving digital signatures
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/00 : Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/49 : Connection to several service providers
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/58 : based on statistics of usage or network monitoring
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/61 : based on the service used
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/66 : Policy and charging system
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/80 : Rating or billing plans; Tariff determination aspects
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/8055 : Selecting cheaper transport technology for a given service
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/88 : Provision for limiting connection, or expenditure
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/0188 : Network monitoring; statistics on usage on called/calling number
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/00 : Security arrangements; Authentication; Protecting privacy or anonymity
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/02 : Protecting privacy or anonymity, e.g. protecting personally identifiable information [PII]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/037 : of the control plane, e.g. signalling traffic
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/06 : Authentication
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/08 : Access security
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/37 : Managing security policies for mobile devices or for controlling mobile applications
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 24/08 : Testing, supervising or monitoring using real traffic
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 28/02 : Traffic management, e.g. flow control or congestion control
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 28/0215 : based on user or device properties, e.g. MTC-capable devices services for machine-to-machine communication [M2M] or machine type communication [MTC] H04W4/70; wireless resource selection or allocation plan definition based on terminal or device properties H04W72/51
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 28/0268 : using specific QoS parameters for wireless networks, e.g. QoS class identifier [QCI] or guaranteed bit rate [GBR] negotiating SLA or negotiating QoS H04W28/24
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 28/12 : using signalling between network elements
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/02 : Services making use of location information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/12 : Messaging; Mailboxes; Announcements
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/18 : Information format or content conversion, e.g. adaptation by the network of the transmitted or received information for the purpose of wireless delivery to users or terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/20 : Services signaling; Auxiliary data signalling, i.e. transmitting data via a non-traffic channel
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/24 : Accounting or billing
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/50 : Service provisioning or reconfiguring
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/14 : using user query or user detection
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/16 : Discovering, processing access restriction or access information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/0453 : Resources in frequency domain, e.g. a carrier in FDMA
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/02 : Processing of mobility data, e.g. registration information at HLR [Home Location Register] or VLR [Visitor Location Register]; Transfer of mobility data, e.g. between HLR, VLR or external networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/18 : Processing of user or subscriber data, e.g. subscribed services, user preferences or user profiles; Transfer of user or subscriber data
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/20 : Transfer of user or subscriber data
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/04 : Large scale networks; Deep hierarchical networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/042 : Public Land Mobile systems, e.g. cellular systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/12 : WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 : adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/08 : Access point devices
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 90/80 : Management or planning

Abstract

Various embodiments are disclosed for a services policy communication system and method. In some embodiments, a communications device detects one or more available roaming networks for a service on a network; connects to a roaming services network center via an access network; and sends available roaming network information to the roaming services network center.

Claims

1. A system, comprising:

a processor of a communications device configured to;

detect one or more available roaming networks for a first service on a first network;

connect to a roaming services network center via a first access network; and

send available roaming network information to the roaming services network center; and

a memory of the communications device coupled to the processor and configured to provide the processor with instructions.

2. The system recited in claim 1, wherein the communications device is a mobile communications device, and the first service includes one or more Internet based services.

3. The system recited in claim 1, wherein the roaming services center is executed by a network device, wherein the network device is in communication with the first access network.

4. The system recited in claim 1, wherein the processor of the communications device is further configured to:

receive preferred roaming network information from the roaming network center, wherein the preferred roaming network information includes a first roaming network, wherein the first roaming network is included in the one or more available roaming networks.

5. The system recited in claim 1, wherein the processor of the communications device is further configured to:

receive preferred roaming network information from the roaming network center, wherein the preferred roaming network information includes a first roaming network, wherein the first roaming network is included in the one or more available roaming networks; and

connect to the first roaming network.

6. The system recited in claim 1, wherein the processor of the communications device is further configured to:

receive preferred roaming network information from the roaming network center, wherein the preferred roaming network information includes a first roaming network, wherein the first roaming network is included in the one or more available roaming networks; and

implement a first roaming service profile for assisting control of the communications device use of the first service on the first roaming network, wherein the first roaming service profile includes a plurality of service policy settings.

7. The system recited in claim 1, wherein the processor of the communications device is further configured to:

store roaming service capabilities and costs in a local storage for roaming partner service to capabilities and costs.

8. The system recited in claim 1, wherein the processor of the communications device is further configured to:

display roaming service capabilities or costs for the one or more available roaming networks based on a local storage of roaming partner service capabilities or costs.

9. The system recited in claim 1, wherein the processor of the communications device is further configured to:

periodically update roaming service capabilities and costs in a local storage for roaming partner service capabilities and costs.

10. The system recited in claim 1, wherein the processor of the communications device is further configured to:

periodically request roaming service capabilities and costs from the roaming services network center.

11. The system recited in claim 1, wherein the processor of the communications device is further configured to:

periodically request roaming service capabilities and costs from the roaming services network center, wherein the request is initiated based on a network capacity.

12. The system recited in claim 1, wherein the processor of the communications device is further configured to:

periodically request roaming service capabilities and costs from the roaming services network center, wherein the request is initiated based on one or more of the following;

a time of day, a network capacity, and current network.

13. The system recited in claim 1, wherein the processor of the communications device is further configured to:

provide a roaming service usage estimate notification, wherein the roaming service usage estimate notification is based on a local service usage counter.

14. The system recited in claim 1, wherein the processor of the communications device is further configured to:

store monitored roaming service usage in a local service usage counter; and

provide a roaming service usage cost estimate notification, wherein the roaming service usage cost estimate notification is based on a local service usage counter.

15. The system recited in claim 1, wherein the processor of the communications device is further configured to:

provide a roaming service usage cost estimate notification, wherein the roaming service usage cost estimate notification is based on a local service usage counter; and

send a user acknowledgement of the roaming service usage cost estimate notification to the roaming services network center.

16. The system recited in claim 1, wherein the processor of the communications device is further configured to:

implement a first service policy for assisting control of the communications device use of the first service on a first roaming network; and

monitor use of the first service based on the first service policy.

17. The system recited in claim 1, wherein the processor of the communications device is further configured to:

implement a first service profile for assisting control of the communications device use of the first service on a first roaming network, wherein the first service profile includes a plurality of service policy settings, and wherein the first service profile is associated with the first roaming network or selected by a user; and

monitor use of the first service based on the first service policy.

18. The system recited in claim 1, wherein the processor of the communications device is further configured to:

monitor use of the first service for a bill by account function for roaming services.

19. A method, comprising:

detect one or more available roaming networks for a first service for a communications device in communication with a first network;

connect to a roaming services network center via a first access network; and

send available roaming network information to the roaming services network center using a processor of the communications device.

20. A computer program product, the computer program product being embodied in a computer readable storage medium and comprising computer instructions for:

detect one or more available roaming networks for a first service for a communications device in communication with a first network;

connect to a roaming services network center via a first access network; and

send available roaming network information to the roaming services network center.

21. A system, comprising:

a processor of a network device configured to;

execute a roaming services network center;

receive available roaming network information from a first communications device for a first service; and

send preferred roaming network information to the first communications device, wherein the preferred roaming network information includes a first roaming network; and

a memory of the network device coupled to the processor and configured to provide the processor with instructions.

22. The system recited in claim 21, wherein the first communications device is a mobile communications device, and the first service includes one or more Internet based services.

23. The system recited in claim 21, wherein the processor of the network device is further configured to:

send roaming service capabilities and costs to the first communications device.

24. The system recited in claim 21, wherein the processor of the network device is further configured to:

periodically send roaming service capabilities and costs to the first communications device.

25. The system recited in claim 21, wherein the processor of the network device is further configured to:

provide a roaming service usage estimate notification to the first communications device.

26. The system recited in claim 21, wherein the processor of the network device is further configured to:

provide a roaming service usage cost estimate notification to the first communications device.

27. The system recited in claim 21, wherein the processor of the network device is further configured to:

provide a roaming service usage cost estimate notification to the first communications device; and

receive a user acknowledgement of the roaming service usage cost estimate notification.

28. The system recited in claim 21, wherein the processor of the network device is further configured to:

monitor use of the first service for a bill by account function for roaming services.

29. A method, comprising:

execute a roaming services network center on a processor of a network device;

receive available roaming network information from a first communications device for a first service; and

send preferred roaming network information to the first communications device, wherein the preferred roaming network information includes a first roaming network.

30. A computer program product, the computer program product being embodied in a computer readable storage medium and comprising computer instructions for:

execute a roaming services network center;

receive available roaming network information from a first communications device for a first service; and

send preferred roaming network information to the first communications device, wherein the preferred roaming network information includes a first roaming network.