Network tools for analysis, design, testing, and production of services

• US 8,531,986 B2
• Filed: 04/10/2012
• Issued: 09/10/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 01/28/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Headwater Research LLC (Greg Raleigh)
• Original Assignee: Headwater Partners I LLC (Greg Raleigh)
• Inventors: Raleigh, Gregory G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Huq, Obaidul
• Application Number:
  US13/443,842
• Publication Number:
  US 20120196565A1
• Time in Patent Office: 518 Days
• Field of Search: 370/229, 370/230, 370/241, 370/241.1, 370/252, 370/351, 370/389, 370/395.1, 370/395.2, 370/395.21, 370/395.4, 370/395.42, 370/395.43, 379/1.01, 379/9, 379/15.01, 379/15.02, 379/15.03
• US Class Current: 370/252
• 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 network device publishes a test service profile to a group of communications devices, in which the test service profile provides for beta testing of the test service profile for a service on a network, and the test service profile includes service policy settings; and monitors use of the service by the group of communications devices based on the test service profile.

Claims

1. A method, comprising:

at a service design system,

receiving first service plan elements of a first service plan for using a first network service;

generating a first notification policy based on the first service plan elements, the first notification policy defining (1) a first notification trigger event based on a state of use by a remote user communications device of the first network service and (2) a first notification message for notifying an entity responsible for managing an aspect of the state of use of the first network service for a device group, the device group comprising a subset of one or more devices less than all devices capable of using the first network service, the device group including the remote user communications device;

associating the remote user communications device with the first service plan or with the device group;

generating, based on the first notification policy, a device instruction for assisting in providing notification on the state of use by the remote user communications device of the first network service when the first notification trigger event occurs; and

providing the device instruction to a policy implementation agent on the remote user communications device, the policy implementation agent configured to assist in implementing the first notification policy for the remote user communications device using the device instruction.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first notification policy further defines at least a portion of a first notification message to provide to a user of the remote user communications device.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the state of use includes a service usage accounting measure, and the first notification message includes a request for acknowledgement from the user of the remote user communications device.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the state of use includes an amount of use of the first network service.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first notification policy further defines a first notification message, and the state of use includes identification of a request to use the first network service, and the first notification message includes an offer to obtain privileges to the first network service.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the state of use includes recognition that the remote user communications device is roaming.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the state of use includes a determination that the remote user communications device is performing intermediate device network access service forwarding between a local area network and a wireless access network.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

at the service design system,

generating, based on the first notification policy, a network element instruction for assisting in providing notification on the state of use by the remote user communications device of the first network service; and

providing the network element instruction to a network server or gateway connected to the first network, the network server or gateway configured to assist in implementing the first notification policy by using the network element instruction.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the state of use includes an amount of use of a classification of network services that includes the first network service, the classification including less than all network services available to the remote user communications device.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the state of use includes a rate of use of the first network service.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the state of use includes an amount of service usage of the first network service relative to a limit on service usage of the first network service by the remote user communications device.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the state of use includes availability of the first network service over a new communication network.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the state of use includes availability of, unavailability of, or expiration of at least a portion of the first network service, the first network service being sponsored by a service provider or third party.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the state of use is a first state of use, and further comprising

at the service design system,

receiving second service plan elements of a second service plan for using a second network service;

generating a second notification policy based on the second service plan elements, the second notification policy for defining a second notification trigger event based on a second state of use by the remote user communications device of the second network service; and

associating the remote user communications device with the second service plan.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the entity responsible for managing the aspect of the state of use of the first network service for the device group comprises one or more of:

a user associated with the remote user communications device, an entity responsible for a subscriber account associated with the first service plan, an entity responsible for a subscriber account associated with the device group, a subscriber associated with the device group, a subscriber associated with the first service plan, an enterprise service manager, a service administrator, a service provider, a virtual service provider, an ambient service partner, a transaction partner, and a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO).

16. A service design system, comprising:

one or more network elements comprising one or more processors programmed to;

provide a user interface to receive first service plan elements of a first service plan for using a first network service;

generate a first notification policy based on the first service plan elements, the first notification policy defining (1) a first notification trigger event based on a state of use by a remote user communications device of the first network service and (2) a first notification message for notifying an entity responsible for managing an aspect of the state of use of the first network service for a device group, the device group comprising a subset of one or more devices less than all devices capable of using the first network service, the device group including the remote user communications device, and

utilize information in the first notification policy to generate a device instruction for assisting in providing notification on the state of use by the remote user communications device of the first network service when the first notification trigger event occurs;

memory for storing an association of the remote user communications device with the first service plan or with the device group; and

a communications interface to provide the device instruction to a policy implementation agent on the remote user communications device, the policy implementation agent for assisting in implementing the first notification policy for the remote user communications device using the device instruction.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the first notification policy further defines at least a portion of a first notification message to provide to a user of the remote user communications device.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the first notification policy further defines a first notification message, and the state of use includes identification of a request to use the first network service, and the first notification message includes an offer to obtain privileges to the first network service.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein the state of use includes a service usage accounting measure, and the first notification message includes a request for acknowledgement from the user of the end-user communications device.

20. The system of claim 16, wherein the state of use includes an amount of use of the first network service.

21. The system of claim 16, wherein the state of use includes recognition that the remote user communications device is roaming.

22. The system of claim 16, wherein the state of use includes a determination that the remote user communications device is performing intermediate device network access service forwarding between a local area network and a wireless access network.

23. The system of claim 16, wherein the communications interface is a first communications interface, and wherein the one or more network elements comprising one or more processors are further programmed to utilize information in the first notification policy to generate a network element instruction for assisting in providing notification on the state of use by the remote user communications device of the first network service, and further comprising a second communications interface to provide the network element instruction to a network server or gateway connected to the first network, the network server or gateway configured to assist in implementing the first notification policy by using the network element instruction.

24. The system of claim 16, wherein the state of use includes an amount of use of a classification of network services that includes the first network service, the classification including less than all network services available to the remote user communications device.

25. The system of claim 16, wherein the state of use includes a rate of use of the first network service.

26. The system of claim 16, wherein the state of use includes an amount of service usage of the first network service relative to a limit on service usage of the first network service by the remote user communications device.

27. The system of claim 16, wherein the state of use includes availability of the first network service over a new communication network.

28. The system of claim 16, wherein the state of use includes availability of, unavailability of, or expiration of at least a portion of the first network service, the first network service being sponsored by a service provider or third party.

29. The system of claim 16, wherein the state of use is a first state of use, and wherein

the one or more network elements comprising one or more processors are further programmed to:

provide the user interface to receive second service plan elements of a second service plan for using a second network service, and

generate a second notification policy based on the second service plan elements, the second notification policy defining a second notification trigger event based on a second state of use by the remote user communications device of the second network service; and

the memory is configured to store an association of the remote user communications device with the second service plan.

30. The system of claim 16, wherein the entity responsible for managing the aspect of the state of use of the first network service for the device group comprises one or more of:

a user associated with the remote user communications device, an entity responsible for a subscriber account associated with the first service plan, an entity responsible for a subscriber account associated with the device group, a subscriber associated with the device group, a subscriber associated with the first service plan, an enterprise service manager, a service administrator, a service provider, a virtual service provider, an ambient service partner, a transaction partner, and a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO).