Methods and Apparatuses for Providing Differentiated User Service Options on Communications Networks
AssigneeAT&T Mobility II LLC
InventorsMostafa Tofighbakhsh, Yuang Lou, Jacob Lahav
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Systems and methods for providing differentiated user service options on communications networks are disclosed. Devices can be configured to generate service change requests, and to transmit the service change requests to a network node. The service change request can be routed to a node that determines if the service change request should be granted. The device and network can begin operation in accordance with the service change request almost instantly since no negotiation is required between the device and the network. Methods and computer-readable media embodying methods for providing differentiated user service options, are also disclosed.
Claims24
A system for providing differentiated service options to a device operating on a communications network at a first service level, comprising:
- a system memory for storing a policy associated with a user of the device;
- a policy and charging rules function for retrieving the policy to determine a service rule corresponding to a network resource to be allocated to a user;
- a policy and charging enforcement function for generating enforcement rules corresponding to the service rule;
- and
- an instant policy and charging rules function (IPCRF) comprising an IPCRF processor and an IPCRF memory for storing instructions, executable by the IPCRF processor to make the IPCRF operable to:
- recognize received data as an instant service change request;
- determine if the user is entitled to request instant service changes;
- grant the instant service change request, if the user is entitled to request instant service changes;
- and
- pass an instruction to one or more network nodes instructing the network nodes to allow the device to operate at a second service level, the second service level corresponding to a service level requested in the instant service change request.
A device for operation on a communications network, the device comprising:
- a memory in communication with a processor and a network interface, wherein the memory is configured to store instructions, executable by the processor to cause the device to:
- recognize that the device needs to operate at a second service level instead of a first service level at which the device is currently operating;
- generate an instant service change request that requests that the communications network allow the device to operate at the second service level;
- transmit to a network node, via the network interface, the instant service change request;
- begin communications in accordance with the second service level;
- and
- determine if the communications network is operating in accordance with the requested second service level, wherein:
- the device continues transmission at the second service level, if the device determines that the communications network is operating in accordance with the second service level;
- and
- the device begins transmission at the first service level, if the device determines that the communications network is not operating in accordance with the second service level.
A method for providing a device with differentiated user service options, comprising:
- recognizing data received at an IPCRF as an instant service change request sent by a device operating at a first service level on a communications network;
- determining, at the IPCRF, if the device is entitled to request instant service changes;
- granting the instant service change request, if the IPCRF determines that the user is entitled to request instant service changes;
- and
- passing an instruction to one or more network nodes instructing the network nodes to allow the device to operate at a second service level, the second service level corresponding to a service level requested in the instant service change request.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.