Verifiable service policy inplementation for intermediate networking devices

• US 20100191846A1
• 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 8,799,451 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 709/224
• 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, an intermediate networking device acts as a service intermediary or intermediate connection between a network and one or more communications devices; implements a service policy set for assisting control of the intermediate networking device use of a service set on the network, the service policy set including one or more service policies associated with the intermediate networking device or one or more communications devices connected to the intermediate networking device, the service set being one or more network services used by the intermediate networking device or one or more communications devices; and monitors use of the service set based on the first service policy set, in which the implementation of the service policy set is verified.

Claims

1. A system, comprising:

a processor of an intermediate networking device configured to;

act as a service intermediary or intermediate connection between a first network and one or more communications devices;

implement a first service policy set for assisting control of the intermediate networking device use of a first service set on the first network, the first service policy set including one or more first service policies associated with the intermediate networking device or the one or more communications devices connected to the intermediate networking device, the first service set being one or more first network services used by the intermediate networking device or the one or more communications devices; and

monitor use of the first service set based on the first service policy set; and

a memory of the intermediate networking device coupled to the processor and configured to provide the processor with instructions,

wherein the implementation of the first service policy set is verified.

2. The system recited in claim 1, wherein the one or more communications device include one or more mobile communications devices, and the one or more first network services include one or more Internet based services.

3. The system recited in claim 1, wherein the one or more communications device include one or more of the following:

a mobile phone, a PDA, an eBook reader, a music device, an entertainment/gaming device, a computer, laptop, a netbook, a home networking system, and a modem or communications device supporting machine to machine communications.

4. The system recited in claim 1, wherein the intermediate networking device communicates, forwards, routes, passes or bridges network communications between the first network and one or more of the communications devices.

5. The system recited in claim 1, wherein the intermediate networking device includes a first modem to connect with the first network and a second modem to connect with the one or more communications devices.

6. The system recited in claim 1, wherein the intermediate networking device includes a first modem to connect with the first network and a second modem to connect with the one or more communications devices, and wherein the first modem communicates using one or more of the following communication protocols:

WiFi, WWAN, Bluetooth, Ziggby, satellite, DSL, and DOCSIS/cable.

7. The system recited in claim 1, wherein the intermediate networking device includes a first modem to connect with the first network and a second modem to connect with the one or more communications devices, and wherein the second modem communicates using one or more of the following communication protocols:

WiFi, WWAN, Bluetooth, Ziggby, satellite, DSL, and DOCSIS/cable.

8. The system recited in claim 1, wherein the intermediate networking device includes one or more of the following:

a WWAN to WiFi bridge or router, a femto cell, a wired WAN access router or gateway, a DSL modem, a cable modem router, a gateway, a satellite modem router or gateway, a cell phone, a handheld device, and a computer.

9. The system recited in claim 1, wherein a first service processor is located on a first communications device in communication with the intermediate networking device, and wherein the service processor implements the first service policy set for assisting control of the intermediate networking device use of the first service set on the first network.

10. The system recited in claim 1, wherein a first portion of a first service processor is located on a first communications device in communication with the intermediate networking device, and a second portion of the first service processor is located on the intermediate networking device, and wherein the service processor implements the first service policy set for assisting control of the intermediate networking device use of the first service set on the first network.

11. The system recited in claim 1, wherein a first portion of a first service processor is located on a first communications device in communication with the intermediate networking device for service usage monitoring or service usage notification assistance or billing assistance, and a second portion of the first service processor is located on the intermediate networking device, and wherein the service processor implements the first service policy set for assisting control of the intermediate networking device use of the first service set on the first network.

12. The system recited in claim 1, wherein a first service processor is located on a first communications device in communication with the intermediate networking device, and a second service processor is located on the intermediate networking device, and wherein the first service processor implements the first service policy set for assisting control of the intermediate networking device use of the first service set on the first network, and the second service processor implements a second service policy set for assisting control of the intermediate networking device use of the first service set on the first network.

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

execute a service processor, wherein the service processor implements a first service policy set for assisting control of the intermediate networking device use of a first service set on a first network, and the service processor is stored on the intermediate networking device.

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

verify the implementation of the first service policy using a first service processor located on a first communications device.

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

verify the implementation of the first service policy using a first service processor located on a first communications device if more than one user or communications device is communicating with the intermediate networking device.

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

verify the implementation of the first service policy using a first service processor located on a first communications device; and

verify an implementation of a second service policy using a second service processor located on a second communications device.

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

collect first service usage information from a first service processor executed on a first communications device to assist the monitored use of the first service.

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

collect first service usage information from a first service processor executed on a first communications device to assist the monitored use of the first service if more than one user or communications device is communicating with the intermediate networking device.

19. A method, comprising:

providing a service intermediary or intermediate connection between a first network and one or more communications devices;

implementing a first service policy set for assisting control of the intermediate networking device use of a first service set on the first network, the first service policy set including one or more first service policies associated with the intermediate networking device or the one or more communications devices connected to the intermediate networking device, the first service set being one or more first network services used by the intermediate networking device or the one or more communications devices; and

monitoring use of the first service set based on the first service policy set, wherein the implementation of the first service policy set is verified.

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

providing a service intermediary or intermediate connection between a first network and one or more communications devices;

implementing a first service policy set for assisting control of the intermediate networking device use of a first service set on the first network, the first service policy set including one or more first service policies associated with the intermediate networking device or the one or more communications devices connected to the intermediate networking device, the first service set being one or more first network services used by the intermediate networking device or the one or more communications devices; and

monitoring use of the first service set based on the first service policy set, wherein the implementation of the first service policy set is verified.

21. A system, comprising:

a processor of an intermediate networking device configured to;

provide a service intermediary or intermediate connection between a first network and one or more communications devices;

implement a first service policy set for assisting control of the intermediate networking device use of a first service set on a first network, wherein the first service policy set includes a plurality of service policies associated with the intermediate networking device or the one or more communications devices connected to the intermediate networking device, and the first service set including one or more first network services used by the intermediate networking device or the one or more communications devices; and

collect a plurality of service usage measurements for the one or more communications devices use of the first service set on the first network;

compare the plurality of service usage measurements to the first service policy set; and

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

22. The system recited in claim 21, wherein the plurality of service usage measurements include network based service usage information.

23. The system recited in claim 21, wherein the plurality of service usage measurements include CDRs.

24. The system recited in claim 21, wherein the plurality of service usage measurements include device network assisted service usage information.

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

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

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

monitor use of the first service set based on the first service policy set; and

compare the plurality of service usage measurements to the monitored use.

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

collect network based service usage information from a network device; and

compare the plurality of service usage measurements to the network based service usage information.

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

collect first service usage information from a first communications device; and

compare the plurality of service usage measurements to the first service usage information.

29. The system recited in claim 21, wherein the processor of the intermediate networking device is further configured to:

monitor use of the first service set based on the first service policy set; and

report service usage to a network device, wherein the report includes the monitored use and service usage information collected from the one or more communications devices.

30. The system recited in claim 21, wherein the processor of the intermediate networking device is further configured to:

monitor use of the first service set based on the first service policy set; and

report the monitored use to a network device, wherein the report is encrypted or communicated using a secure protocol.

31. The system recited in claim 21, wherein the processor of the intermediate networking device is further configured to:

monitor use of the first service set based on the first service policy set for each of the one or more communications devices, wherein each of the one or communications device is associated with a unique IP traffic flow;

collect CDRs for service usage for each of the one or more communications devices; and

compare the monitored use to the collected CDRs for each of the one or more communications devices.

32. The system recited in claim 21, wherein the processor of the intermediate networking device is further configured to:

receive a downloaded new service processor; and

install the new service processor.