Methods and apparatus for machine-to-machine based communication service classes
First Claim
1. A method for operating a wireless network, comprising:
- receiving a wireless service request message from a client device;
determining, based on profile information associated with the client device, whether the client device is associated with a station category selected from a group of station categories that includes at least;
a first station category that corresponds to an ordinary subscriber, anda second station category that corresponds to an automated apparatus subscriber,wherein the profile information is derived from monitoring a pattern of activity of the client device for a predetermined period of time;
upon determining that the client device is associated with the second station category, assigning the second station category to the client device; and
implementing a plurality of operating rules that are based on the second station category and restrict a manner in which the wireless service is provided to the client device.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and apparatus enabling a wireless network to provide differentiated services to a machine-to-machine (M2M) client. In one embodiment, the wireless network comprises a UMTS network, and the Home Location Register (HLR) entity identifies subscriptions as machine-to-machine (M2M) enabled devices based on flags or other descriptors associated with each M2M device, and imposes one or more rule sets (e.g., service restrictions) based on this identification. The classification of M2M devices within the HLR may optionally include additional capability or profile data for the M2M device (e.g. static, low mobility, low data activity, etc.). Various other network entities may use the M2M identification to modify the delivered data service, so as to optimize network resources. Furthermore, monitoring of M2M client behavior can be used to detect and notify the network operator of abnormal, fraudulent, or malicious activity. Business methods utilizing the aforementioned methods and apparatus are also disclosed.
58 Citations
35 Claims
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1. A method for operating a wireless network, comprising:
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receiving a wireless service request message from a client device; determining, based on profile information associated with the client device, whether the client device is associated with a station category selected from a group of station categories that includes at least; a first station category that corresponds to an ordinary subscriber, and a second station category that corresponds to an automated apparatus subscriber, wherein the profile information is derived from monitoring a pattern of activity of the client device for a predetermined period of time; upon determining that the client device is associated with the second station category, assigning the second station category to the client device; and implementing a plurality of operating rules that are based on the second station category and restrict a manner in which the wireless service is provided to the client device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium adapted to store a computer program, wherein the computer program, when executed by a processing device, causes the processing device to carry out steps that include:
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receiving a wireless service request message from a client device; determining, based on profile information associated with the client device, that the client device corresponds to an automated apparatus user type, wherein the profile information is derived from monitoring a pattern of activity of the client device for a predetermined period of time; assigning the automated apparatus user type to the client device, wherein the automated apparatus user type is one of a plurality of user types that are different from one another; implementing a set of operating rules for the client device wherein the set of operating rules is based at least in part on the automated apparatus user type; determining that a violation of an operating rule from the set of operating rules has occurred and flagging the violation as a potential fraud; and imposing connectivity restrictions on the client device wherein the set of operating rules. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. An apparatus for use in a wireless network, comprising:
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a digital processor; at least one network interface in data communication with the digital processor; and a memory storing at least one computer program, wherein the at least one computer program includes instructions that are configured to comprising instructions which when executed by the digital processor, cause the apparatus to; receive a wireless service request message from a client device; monitor a pattern of activity of the client device for a predetermined period of time to derive profile information associated with the client device; determine, based on the profile information associated with the client device, whether the client device is associated with a station category selected from a group of station categories that includes at least; a first station category that corresponds to an ordinary subscriber, and a second station category that corresponds to an automated apparatus subscriber; upon determining that the client device is associated with the second station category, assign the second station category to the client device; and implement a plurality of operating rules that are based on the second station category and restrict a manner in which the wireless service is provided to the client device. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25)
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26. A method for operating a wireless network, the method comprising:
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receiving a wireless service request message from a client device; determining, based on profile information associated with the client device, that the client device corresponds to an automated apparatus user type, wherein the profile information is derived from monitoring a pattern of activity of the client device for a predetermined period of time; assigning the automated apparatus user type to the client device, wherein the automated apparatus user type is one of a plurality of user types that are different from one another; implementing a set of operating rules for the client device, wherein the set of operating rules is based at least in part on the automated apparatus user type; and determining that a violation of an operating rule from the set of operating rules has occurred and flagging the violation as a potential fraud; and restricting data traffic with the client device to a maximum value. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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32. A method for governing an operation of a client device in a wireless network, comprising:
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receiving a wireless service request message from the client device; determining, based on profile information associated with the client device, that the client device corresponds to an automated apparatus user type, wherein the profile information is derived from monitoring a pattern of activity of the client device for a predetermined period of time; assigning the automated apparatus user type to the client device, wherein the automated apparatus user type is one of a plurality of user types that different from one another; implementing a set of operating rules for the client device, wherein the set of operating rules is based at least in part on the automated apparatus user type; determining that a violation of an operating rule from the set of operating rules has occurred and flagging the violation as a potential fraud; and imposing connectivity restrictions on the client device. - View Dependent Claims (33, 34, 35)
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Specification