KR102145578B1 - Method and Apparatus for Providing Roaming Service using Block Chain - Google Patents

Abstract

The present embodiment relates to a method and apparatus for providing a roaming service capable of more efficiently processing network roaming and settlement between different mobile communication providers through the use of a block chain and a smart contract.

Description

Method and Apparatus for Providing Roaming Service using Block Chain {Method and Apparatus for Providing Roaming Service using Block Chain}

The present invention relates to a method for providing a roaming service using a blockchain and an apparatus therefor. In more detail, it relates to a method for providing a roaming service and an apparatus therefor that enable an operator to efficiently process roaming and settlement between different mobile communication networks using a blockchain and a smart contract.

The content described in this section merely provides background information on the present embodiment and does not constitute the prior art.

In accordance with the evolution of mobile communication services, innovative changes are expected in the composition of telecommunications operators in order to increase frequency use efficiency, reduce network construction and operation costs, and quickly introduce and optimize various services. In addition to the existing unlicensed bands, various spectrum sharing systems are realized, and a large number of small-scale regional mobile communication operators are expected to emerge.In order to reduce investment and operation costs, not only the existing mobile communication network operator (MNO), but also small (or regional) ) Network sharing between MNOs is expected to spread.

For network sharing between MNOs, an interconnection service for subscribers, that is, a roaming service, must be provided. Such roaming is performed according to agreements between MNOs and network interworking, and requires a complex and time-consuming process such as negotiation of agreement conditions including service level, network interworking test, and settlement.

In particular, as the number of small-scale MNOs increases, the number of roaming targets remarkably increases, and an efficient processing method is required. For example, if there are n MNOs including small MNOs, a maximum of (n×(n-1))/2 roaming agreements and interlocking tests, quality control and settlement are required, which is network sharing for cost reduction. There is a problem that it is difficult to achieve the purpose of.

An object of the present invention is to provide a means to more efficiently process network roaming and settlement between different mobile communication providers through the use of a block chain and a smart contract.

In this embodiment, a smart contract related to a roaming service is created between a home network operator (hereinafter HNO) and a visiting network operator (hereinafter referred to as VNO) and stored in a blockchain, and the smart contract is used by using the blockchain. At least one service node performing a function for automatic execution; A VNO node that provides the roaming service to a user terminal subscribed to the HNO contracted based on the smart contract and charges the HNO for a service fee according to the provision of the roaming service; And an HNO node that pays the service charge to the VNO node based on the block chain and the smart contract.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present embodiment, there is provided a method of providing a roaming service in a roaming service system, comprising: generating a smart contract related to a roaming service between a home network operator and a visiting network operator and storing it in a block chain; Providing the roaming service to a user terminal corresponding to the home network operator contracted based on the smart contract by a VNO node, and charging a service fee according to the use of the roaming service; And an HNO node paying the service charge to the VNO node based on the block chain and the smart contract, and provides a method for providing a roaming service of a roaming service system.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present embodiment, as a computer program stored in a computer-readable recording medium, when the computer program is executed by at least one processor, a service node roams between a home network operator and a visiting network operator. Creating a smart contract related to the service and storing it in the blockchain; Providing the roaming service to a user terminal corresponding to the home network operator contracted based on the smart contract by a VNO node, and charging a service fee according to the use of the roaming service; And codes for performing a process by which the HNO node pays the service fee to the VNO node based on the block chain and the smart contract.

According to the embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide a means to more efficiently process network roaming and settlement between different mobile communication providers through the use of a block chain and a smart contract.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a roaming service system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a roaming service scenario in a blockchain network according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an authentication and access control method for a roaming service according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of providing a roaming service according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 to 6 are exemplary diagrams for explaining an implementation form of a roaming service system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Blockchain is an electronic ledger implemented as a computer-based decentralized distributed system made up of blocks composed of transactions. Each transaction contains at least one input and at least one output. Each block is linked together to create a permanent and immutable record of all transactions recorded on the blockchain from the beginning, including the hash of the previous block.

Smart contracts are computer programs designed to automate the execution of contracts or terms of agreement. Unlike traditional contracts written in natural language, smart contracts are machine-executable programs that contain rules that can process inputs to produce results, which can trigger actions that must be performed.

The present invention discloses a method of providing a roaming service using such a block chain and a smart contract. In more detail, we propose a roaming service structure that enables network roaming and settlement between different mobile operators to be processed more efficiently through the use of blockchain and smart contracts.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a roaming service system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a roaming service scenario in a blockchain network according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, a roaming service system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 together.

The roaming service system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes n MNO nodes 110 and 120 constituting a block chain network, user terminal nodes 130 and 132 corresponding to each MNO, and single or multiple services. Including node 140. In this case, the components included in the roaming service system according to an embodiment of the present invention are not necessarily limited thereto. For example, it should be recognized that the types of nodes constituting the blockchain network in the roaming service system may have more or fewer components than those shown or configurations of different components depending on the type of service. That is, according to embodiments, the roaming service system 100 may be implemented in a form in which an HNO node or a VNO node performs the role of a service node without a separate service node.

Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, each node constituting the block chain network of the roaming service system may be implemented by a program in the computing device. For example, each node may be implemented by a decentralized application (DAPP), which is a kind of decentralized app in a computing device.

In the case of such a DAPP, it basically provides a function that allows participants to view the ledger in the blockchain, input necessary data, and transmit and receive tokens. In addition, in the case of this embodiment, it is possible to provide various functions to support effective services that provide convenience and efficiency in business using a block chain.

Meanwhile, hereinafter, in the process of describing the roaming service system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first MNO node 110 is a node corresponding to a home network operator (hereinafter, HNO Nodes will be specified and described), and the second MNO node 120 will be described as being a node corresponding to a visited network operator (hereinafter, a VNO node will be described and described).

The HNO node 110 is a block chain network node corresponding to a home network operator, and provides various functions related to the use and settlement of roaming services of user terminals subscribed to the home network operator.

In this embodiment, the HNO node 110 may perform a settlement for the use of a roaming service of a user terminal based on a block chain and a smart contract. That is, the HNO node 110 operates so that token-based transaction processing can be performed in connection with the user terminal's use of roaming service.

To this end, the HNO node 110 may purchase or generate a token (ex: Bearer token) in advance and distribute it to a user terminal or a user. For example, the HNO node 110 may purchase a token issued by the service node 140 and distribute it to a user terminal or a user as a service use right for a roaming service.

At this time, the HNO node 110 may perform an endorsement process on the purchased token and transmit the endorsed token to a user terminal or a blockchain account assigned to the user. Here, registration means to pay fiat currency or a cryptocurrency corresponding to it according to the contract for the tokens recovered later.

Meanwhile, the HNO node 110 basically supports a roaming service to a user terminal subscribed according to a smart contract, but may operate to support a roaming service for some or all of the user terminals according to a preset service provision policy. .

For example, the HNO node 110 performs authentication for providing a service to an optional subscriber according to a predetermined service provision policy, and selectively provides an endorsement token for roaming service to the user terminal or the user according to the execution result. Can be distributed.

3, the HNO node 110 is A unique authentication system interworking with the HNO node 110 may be provided, and authentication for a user terminal or a user may be performed through this. Meanwhile, when a user terminal, which is a subscriber of the HNO, installs the DAPP in the device, the DAPP automatically requests an endorsement token from the HNO node 110. The HNO node 110 accesses its own authentication system including a policy server to perform authentication, and transfers the endorsement token to the user terminal or the user's account according to the result.

In this way, the HNO is very efficient because it only needs to link its own authentication system to its own HNO node 110. In addition, access control for supporting the roaming service is performed according to the service policy of the HNO node 110, and since the VNO node 120 cannot know the user's identity information, it does not cause additional privacy problems.

Thereafter, the HNO node 110 and the VNO node 120 use the above tokens to settle service charges according to the user terminal or the user's use of the roaming service. That is, the HNO node 110 receives a certain amount of tokens from the VNO node 120 as proof of a service charge according to the user terminal or the user's use of the roaming service. In this case, the predetermined amount of tokens may be an amount of tokens converted in proportion to the amount and quality of service use for the roaming service of the user terminal. Meanwhile, the VNO node 120 may receive the above tokens from the user terminal or the user as a price for the use of the roaming service.

The HNO node 110 pays a fiat currency corresponding to the received amount of tokens or a cryptocurrency corresponding to the fiat currency, for example, a stable coin, to the VNO node 120.

Meanwhile, the HNO node 110 may reuse the token received from the VNO node 120 and distribute it to the user terminal or user again, and through this process, the token may be repeatedly cycled. In addition, when the scale of the service grows and the circulated token is insufficient, the HNO node 110 may purchase additional tokens and distribute them.

The VNO node 120 is a block chain network node corresponding to a visited network operator, and provides a building and management function for the visited network.

The VNO node 120 provides a roaming service according to an agreement with a mobile communication service provider having subscribers. In this embodiment, the VNO node 120 is a roaming service to the visited network only for the user terminal (hereinafter, it will be described and described as a user terminal) subscribed to the contracted mobile communication service provider using a blockchain and a smart contract. Provides.

To this end, the VNO node 120 may identify a user terminal of an agreed mobile communication service provider among terminals located within the coverage of the visited network, and perform access control for the corresponding user terminal. In this embodiment, the VNO node 120 may identify a user terminal of an agreed-upon mobile communication service provider that needs to provide a service among terminals located in network coverage according to a smart contract stored in the blockchain.

Referring to FIG. 3, the VNO node 120 may receive a roaming request signal including access request information and account information from a user terminal, and based on this, identify a user terminal in connection with providing a roaming service. For example, the VNO node 120 checks parameters for authorization verification on the access request information, for example, the user terminal owner's public, IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) and GUTI (Globally Unique Temporary Identifier), and makes an agreement based on this It is possible to identify the user terminal of the mobile communication service provider.

In addition, the VNO node 120 may be identified as a user terminal having a certain amount or more of tokens in the account or a target terminal subject to a roaming service, based on account information.

The VNO node 120 checks whether there is an executable roaming service contract between the HNO and the VNO identified in the smart contract, and checks the user terminal or the user's roaming service usage authority according to the verification result.

The VNO node 120 is provided with a result of whether the user terminal or the user has the right to use, and transmits an authentication response to the user terminal so that the visited network can be used.

Thereafter, the VNO node 120 collects service usage information from the user terminal using the roaming service, and transmits a payment request for this to the HNO 110 node. Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the service usage information for the user terminal is preferably a utility token in proportion to the service usage amount and quality for the roaming service, but is not limited thereto. Accordingly, the VNO node 120 may transfer the converted amount of tokens to the HNO 110 node to charge a service fee related to the roaming service.

The VNO node 120 may receive a fiat currency corresponding to the token transferred from the HNO 110 node or a cryptocurrency corresponding to the fiat currency, for example, a stable coin.

The user terminal nodes 130 and 132 are block chain network nodes corresponding to mobile users using roaming services, and provide functions such as access according to roaming services and transmission of service usage information.

In this embodiment, the user terminal nodes 130 and 132 may receive tokens in advance in connection with the use of roaming service from the MNO node of the mobile communication service provider to which the user terminal subscribes.

Accordingly, the user terminal nodes 130 and 132 measure the amount of service usage and quality information according to the use of the roaming service, and provide the utility token in proportion to the measurement result to the VNO node 120 as service usage information. I can.

The service node 140 performs functions necessary to operate a block chain and a block chain network.

In this embodiment, the service node 140 performs a function of making an efficient contract related to the roaming service and automatic execution thereof between the HNO and the VNO.

For example, the service node 140 converts the agreement into a smart contract that can be automatically executed when the agreement between HNO and VNO, which is a party to the agreement, concludes an agreement in a natural language.

In addition, the service node 140 verifies the integrity of the smart contract and network key performance indicator (KPI) data.

In addition, the service node 140 provides various services for operation of the blockchain, including transaction verification.

The function of the service node 140 will be described in more detail as follows.

The service node 140 according to the present embodiment creates a smart contract related to a roaming service between a home network operator and a visiting network operator, and stores it in a blockchain (or distributed ledger).

First, the service node 140 adjusts/agrees on a negotiable condition based on a standard contract or service level agreement (SLA) expressed in natural language between the home network operator and the visiting network operator. Here, the contents and conditions of the standard contract may be implemented as a pre-defined phrase or optional combination of sentences that are specialized for the business field.

The service node 140 generates a smart contract (ex: execution code) by converting the contracted content into executable software on a blockchain or a blockchain network through a rule engine such as AI.

The service node 140 performs Non-Repudiation on the smart contract by using digital signatures for each of the home network operator and the visiting network operator, and stores it on the blockchain. This means that the integrity of the agreement information signed between HNO and VNO is guaranteed.

The service node 140 performs a function for automatically executing a smart contract using a block chain. To this end, the service node 140 may perform a function of verifying the integrity of events related to roaming services occurring off-chain or off-chain by using a block chain. In this embodiment, the service node 140 performs functions of securing the reliability of transactions, providing integrity of N/W performance data, and controlling N/W access using a block chain. For example, the service node 140 issues a token corresponding to the roaming service, and verifies the integrity of roaming service related transaction events generated based on the token.

The service node 140 performs verification by comparing the service usage information for the roaming service measured from the user terminal with the service provision information measured from the VNO node 120, and stores the verified service usage information on the blockchain. do.

The service node 140 compares the amount of utility tokens received from the user terminal and KPI data for the user terminal measured from the VNO node 120, and if the difference value is less than a predetermined threshold, the verification of the service usage information is completed. Judge.

4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of providing a roaming service according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The service node 140 creates a smart contract related to the roaming service between the home network operator and the visiting network operator, and stores the generated smart contract in the blockchain (S402). In step S402, the service node 140 converts the contracted content concluded based on the standard contract or service level agreement expressed in natural language between the home network operator and the visiting network operator into software executable on the blockchain or the blockchain network. Create a smart contract.

The VNO node 120 provides a roaming service to a user terminal corresponding to the contracted home network operator according to the smart contract in step S402, and charges a service fee according to the use of the roaming service (S404). In step S404, the VNO node 120 receives a roaming request signal including access request information and account information from the user terminal, and controls access to the user terminal based on a service provision policy and a block chain based on the account information.

The VNO node 120 receives the amount of tokens converted in proportion to the service usage and quality for the roaming service from the user terminal as service usage information, and transfers the converted amount of tokens to the HNO node 110 to charge the service. Claim.

The HNO node 110 collects service usage information for the user terminal from the VNO node 120, and pays a fee corresponding to the service usage information to the VNO node 120 based on the blockchain and smart contract (S406). . In step S406, the HNO node 110 receives the utility token as service usage information for the user terminal from the VNO node 120, and the fiat currency corresponding to the utility token or a cryptocurrency corresponding to the fiat currency, for example, a stable Coins are paid to the VNO node 120.

Here, since steps S402 to S404 correspond to the operation of each component of the roaming service system 100 described above, further detailed descriptions will be omitted.

In FIG. 4, it is described that each process is sequentially executed, but is not limited thereto. In other words, since it may be applicable to changing and executing the processes illustrated in FIG. 4 or executing one or more processes in parallel, FIG. 4 is not limited to a time series order.

As described above, the service providing method of the roaming service system illustrated in FIG. 4 is a recording medium (CD-ROM, RAM, ROM, memory card, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, which is implemented as a program and can be read using computer software). Storage devices, etc.).

5 to 6 are exemplary diagrams for explaining an implementation form of a roaming service system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, in the case of the roaming service system 100, when MNO 2, which is a visiting network operator, does not directly recruit subscribers, but provides services to subscribers of other home network operators, it is implemented in the form of a neutral network service model. Can be.

5, a neutral host operator (NHO) establishes a mobile communication network and/or a Wi-Fi network and provides a service to the subscribers of the negotiated MNO, and the MNO pays a price for this. Pay to the NHO. Meanwhile, in the neutral network service model, NHO may function as VNO and MNO may function as HNO. That is, the neutral network service model is a special example in which the roaming service system 100 is implemented, and access control and settlement methods for roaming may be applied in the same manner.

An example of a roaming service and settlement procedure in such a service model is shown in FIG. 6.

①, ② The service node 140 creates a smart contract related to the roaming service between the home network operator and the visiting network operator, and stores the generated smart contract in the blockchain.

③, ④ HNO node 110 purchases an anonymous token from the service node 140, endorses it, and distributes it to a user terminal or user account corresponding to the home network operator.

⑤, ⑥, ⑦ VNO node 120 provides a roaming service to a user terminal, and receives tokens according to the quantity and quality of the roaming service from the user terminal or user.

⑧, ⑨, ⑩ The HNO node 110 receives a certain amount of tokens from the VNO node 120 as proof of the service charge for the roaming service use of the user terminal, and is a legal currency or legal currency against the received amount of tokens A cryptocurrency corresponding to the currency, for example, a stable coin, is paid to the VNO node 120.

The above description is merely illustrative of the technical idea of the present embodiment, and those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present embodiment belongs will be able to make various modifications and variations without departing from the essential characteristics of the present embodiment. Accordingly, the present embodiments are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present embodiment, but to explain, and the scope of the technical idea of the present embodiment is not limited by such an embodiment. The scope of protection of this embodiment should be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent thereto should be construed as being included in the scope of the present embodiment.

100: roaming service system 110: HNO node
120: VNO node 130, 132: user terminal node
140: service node

Claims (16)

A smart contract related to a roaming service is created between a home network operator (hereinafter HNO) and a visiting network operator (hereinafter referred to as VNO) and stored in the blockchain, and a token corresponding to the roaming service is issued, and the token One or more service nodes verifying integrity of the transaction event data related to the roaming service generated based on the roaming service;
A VNO node that provides the roaming service to a user terminal subscribed to the HNO contracted based on the smart contract and charges the HNO for a service fee according to the provision of the roaming service; And
HNO node that pays the service fee to the VNO node based on the blockchain and the smart contract
Roaming service system comprising a. The method of claim 1,
The service node,
The smart contract is created by converting the contract contents concluded based on the standard contract or service level agreement (SLA) expressed in natural language between the HNO and VNO into software executable on the blockchain or blockchain network. Roaming service system, characterized in that. delete The method of claim 1,
The HNO node,
A roaming service system, comprising distributing a token issued from the service node corresponding to the roaming service to the user terminal or a user blockchain account as a service use right for the roaming service. The method of claim 4,
The HNO node,
A roaming service system, characterized in that the token is purchased from the service node or provided free of charge, and after registration, the endorsed token is transmitted to the user terminal or a block chain account assigned to the user. The method of claim 4,
The HNO has an HNO-specific authentication system interlocked with the HNO node, and performs authentication for the user terminal requesting an access service to the VNO network through the authentication system,
The HNO node transfers the token to the user terminal or the user's blockchain account according to the execution result. The method of claim 4,
The HNO has a unique authentication system including a policy server interlocked with the HNO node, and periodically sends a certain amount of the token to a user terminal or a block chain account assigned to the user according to the service policy of the HNO. Roaming service system, characterized in that distributed by. The method of claim 4,
The user terminal or the user automatically or manually requests a token transfer to the HNO,
Wherein the HNO node performs authentication using an authentication system and a policy server interlocked with the HNO, and transfers a corresponding amount of tokens to the user terminal or user account. The method of claim 1,
The VNO node,
A roaming service system, characterized in that receiving a roaming request including access request information and account information from the user terminal, and controlling access to the user terminal based on a service provision policy based on the account information and the block chain . The method of claim 9,
The VNO node,
A roaming service system, characterized in that, based on the account information, access for the roaming service is allowed only to a user terminal or a user having a certain amount of tokens or more in an account. The method of claim 10
The VNO node,
A roaming service system, characterized in that receiving service usage information for the roaming service based on the token from the user terminal, and charging the service fee according to the service usage information. The method of claim 11,
The VNO node,
Receiving an amount of tokens converted in proportion to the service use amount and quality for the roaming service as the service use information, and charging the service fee by transferring the converted amount of tokens to the HNO node. Roaming service system. The method of claim 1,
A roaming service system, characterized in that one VNO makes a smart contract with a plurality of the HNOs and provides the roaming service to a plurality of subscribers of the HNO. The method of claim 1,
The roaming service system, characterized in that the VNO node or the HNO node performs a function as the service node. In the roaming service providing method of the roaming service system,
A process for the service node to create a smart contract related to the roaming service between the home network operator and the visiting network operator and store it in the blockchain;
Distributing, by the HNO node, a token issued from the service node corresponding to the roaming service to a user terminal or a user blockchain account as a service use right for the roaming service;
Providing the roaming service to a user terminal corresponding to the home network operator contracted based on the smart contract by a VNO node and charging a service charge according to the use of the roaming service; And
Process in which the HNO node pays the service fee to the VNO node based on the blockchain and the smart contract
Including,
The service node verifies integrity of transaction event data related to the roaming service generated based on the token. delete

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