KR102159550B1 - Method for Providing Neutral Host Network Service using Block Chain, System And Apparatus Therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

This embodiment is intended to efficiently process complex agreements and performance management between telecommunications providers, such as reducing transaction costs including trust formation through the use of blockchain and smart contracts, setting reasonable service rates according to quality, and compensation based on settlement and SLA. It relates to a method for providing a neutral network service and a system and apparatus therefor.

Description

Method for Providing Neutral Host Network Service using Block Chain, System And Apparatus Therefor}

The present invention relates to providing a neutral network service using a block chain. More specifically, it relates to a method for providing a neutral network service for efficiently handling complex agreements and performance management between a mobile communication operator and a neutral network operator using a block chain and a smart contract, and a system and apparatus therefor.

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 types of spectrum sharing systems are realized, and it is expected that a large number of small local mobile communication operators will emerge.

In particular, attention is focused on a Neutral Host Network Service model that provides regional network services through an agreement with a mobile communication service provider with subscribers. In addition, the introduction of private mobile communication networks using unlicensed or shared spectrum is expected to spread, and a service business model that shares idle resources of the private network with external users is expected to be possible.

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the structure of a conventional neutral network service model.

Referring to FIG. 1, a neutral network service provider (hereinafter referred to as Neutral Host Operator, NHO) constructs a regional LTE and/or Wi-Fi network using a shared frequency band and an unlicensed band, and a mobile communication service provider (hereinafter referred to as Mobile Network Operator, MNO ), and the MNO pays the NHO for it.

On the other hand, in the case of the conventional neutral network service model, when there are n MNOs and m NHOs, a maximum of n×m service agreements are required, which takes a lot of time and cost. In addition, there is a problem that a complicated procedure is required to guarantee the quality of service and to confirm and compensate for violation of the agreement, and there is a high possibility of dispute.

In order to provide seamless mobile communication services by interconnecting a large number of independent regional networks and national networks, it is essential to establish an efficient cooperation system between operators, but no specific solution has been announced yet. Accordingly, there is a need to implement an efficient cooperation platform between telecommunications carriers, such as reducing transaction costs including building trust, setting reasonable service rates according to quality, and compensation based on settlement and service level agreements (hereinafter, Service Level Agreement, SLA).

The present invention is a cooperation to efficiently process complex agreements and implementation management between telecommunications operators, such as reducing transaction costs including trust formation through the use of blockchain and smart contracts, setting reasonable service rates according to quality, and compensation based on settlement and SLA. Its purpose is to provide a platform.

In this embodiment, a smart contract related to a neutral network service is created between a mobile communication operator and a neutral network operator and stored in a block chain, and the smart contract is automatically executed using the block chain. A business platform to perform; An NHO node that identifies a service provision target user terminal according to the smart contract, provides the neutral network service, and collects service usage information of the user terminal; And an MNO node that pays a fee corresponding to the service usage information to the NHO node based on the block chain and the smart contract, and provides a neutral network service system.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present embodiment, a business service unit that generates a smart contract related to a neutral network service between a mobile communication operator and a neutral network operator, and stores the smart contract on a block chain; And a block chain service unit that performs a function for automatically executing the smart contract in connection with the use of the neutral network access service of a user terminal to be provided with a service by using the block chain. .

In addition, according to another aspect of the present embodiment, in the method of providing a service of a neutral network service system, a process in which the business platform creates a smart contract related to the neutral network service between the mobile communication service provider and the neutral network service provider and stores it on the blockchain ; Providing the neutral network service by identifying a user terminal to be provided within the neutral network coverage by the NHO node according to the smart contract; And the NHO node collects service usage information for the user terminal and delivers it to the MNO node, and the MNO node pays a fee corresponding to the service usage information to the NHO node based on the block chain and the smart contract. It provides a service providing method of a neutral network service system, characterized in that it includes the process of.

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, the business platform is neutral between the mobile communication operator and the neutral network operator. Creating a smart contract related to a network service and storing it on the blockchain; Providing the neutral network service by identifying a user terminal to be provided within the neutral network coverage by the NHO node according to the smart contract; And the NHO node collects service usage information for the user terminal and delivers it to the MNO node, and the MNO node pays a fee corresponding to the service usage information to the NHO node based on the block chain and the smart contract. It provides a computer program including codes for performing the process of doing so.

According to embodiments of the present invention, complex agreements and implementation management between telecommunications providers such as reduction of transaction fees including trust formation through the use of blockchain and smart contracts, rational service rate setting and settlement according to quality, and compensation based on SLAs. There is an effect that can provide a cooperation platform to efficiently process.

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the structure of a conventional neutral network service model.
2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a neutral network service system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the structure of a block chain network according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a block diagram illustrating a business platform according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of providing a neutral network service according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a scenario for providing a neutral network service according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 to 12 are conceptual diagrams for explaining a scenario for providing a neutral network service 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 made up 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 for providing a neutral network service using such a block chain and smart contract. In more detail, through the use of blockchain and smart contracts, it is possible to efficiently process complex agreements and performance management between telecommunications operators, such as reducing transaction costs, including building trust, setting reasonable service rates according to quality, and compensation based on settlement and SLA. We propose a neutral network service structure.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a neutral network service system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a block chain network structure of a neutral network service system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, a neutral network service system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 together.

As shown in FIG. 2, the neutral network service system according to an embodiment of the present invention may be implemented in a form in which the structure of the block chain network of FIG. 3 is applied from the structure of a conventional neutral network service model. This neutral network service system supports efficient business agreements and implementation management in relation to neutral network services using blockchain and smart contracts, while ensuring the reliability of transactions that occur during the service process.

The neutral network service system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an NHO node 300, an MNO node 310, a user terminal node 320, and a business platform 330 constituting a block chain network. In this case, the components included in the neutral network service system according to an embodiment of the present invention are not necessarily limited thereto. For example, in a neutral network service system, it should be recognized that the types of nodes constituting the blockchain network may have more or fewer components than those shown or configurations of different components depending on the type of service. . That is, although not shown in FIG. 3, nodes constituting the blockchain network according to the present embodiment may include a utility token, a stable coin, a node related to a security token, and the like.

Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, each node constituting the block chain network of the neutral network 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.

The NHO node 300 is a block chain network node corresponding to a neutral network operator, and provides construction and management functions for a neutral network through interworking with a business support system.

The NHO node 300 provides a neutral network service using a shared frequency band and an unlicensed band according to an agreement with a mobile communication service provider with subscribers. In the present embodiment, the NHO node 300 is a user terminal subscribed to an agreed mobile communication service provider using a blockchain and a smart contract (= a user terminal to be provided with a service, hereinafter, it will be specified and described as a user terminal). It provides neutral network services only.

To this end, the NHO node 300 may identify a user terminal of an agreed mobile communication service provider among terminals located within the neutral network coverage. Meanwhile, in the conventional case, in order for the NHO node 300 to identify a user terminal and perform a network connection thereto, there is a problem in that the complexity and cost of interworking with an authentication server of a mobile communication service provider arise. Due to this, in the case of this embodiment, the NHO node 300 can identify a user terminal of an agreed mobile communication service provider among terminals located in the neutral network coverage according to the smart contract stored in the block chain.

Hereinafter, a method of identifying a user terminal by the NHO node 300 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 12 together.

10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a first method of identifying a user terminal by the NHO node 300 according to the present embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10, first, the user terminal transmits a request for granting access to the neutral network to the MNO node 310.

The MNO node 310 stores the access right to the neutral network for the user terminal on the blockchain. In this case, the MNO node 310 preferably uses a token purchased or mined by a mobile communication service provider as a right to access the neutral network, but is not limited thereto. For example, the MNO node 310 may transmit at least one of a certificate corresponding to an access right and a utility token to a blockchain account matching the user terminal according to the service provision policy.

When the NHO node 300 receives an access request from a terminal within the neutral network coverage, it checks whether or not the access right is stored corresponding to the terminal on the block chain, and can control access to the neutral network according to the confirmation result. have.

12 is a flowchart illustrating a second method for the NHO node 300 to identify a user terminal according to the present embodiment. Meanwhile, the operation of the user terminal described below may be performed by the user terminal node 320 implemented by Dapp in the user terminal.

① The user terminal initializes network communication and sets the control channel.

② The user terminal requests access to the NHO node 300. At this time, the access authorization request signal may include parameters for authorization verification, such as a public key of the user terminal owner, an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), a Globally Unique Temporary Identifier (GUTI), and the like.

③ The NHO node 300 requests confirmation of the user terminal's network service use authority through a blockchain smart contract, and at this time, the parameters provided from the user terminal are transmitted together with the public key of the NHO node 300.

④ Identify the mobile communication service provider by using the parameters transmitted from the smart contract.

⑤, ⑥ Checks whether there is an executable network service contract between the mobile communication service provider identified in the smart contract and the neutral network service provider, and confirms that the user terminal has the right to use network services according to the verification result.

⑦, ⑧ NHO node 300 receives the result of whether or not to use the user's terminal, and transmits a certificate response to the user terminal so that the neutral network can be used.

⑨ After connecting to the neutral network, the user terminal measures KPIs and performs token exchange scenarios according to usage.

The NHO node 300 collects service usage information from a user terminal using a neutral network service, and transmits a payment request for this to the MNO node 310. Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the service use information for the user terminal is preferably a utility token in an amount converted in proportion to the service use amount and quality for the neutral network service, but is not limited thereto.

The MNO node 310 is a block chain network node corresponding to a mobile communication service provider, and provides functions such as a management function and charge processing according to the use of a neutral network service of a user terminal.

In this embodiment, the MNO node 310 collects service use information for the user terminal, and charges corresponding to the service use information based on the block chain and smart contract are charged through the NHO node 300 through a neutral network. It operates so that it can be paid to the business operator.

The MNO node 310 may receive service usage information for the user terminal collected by the NHO node 300 from the user terminal from the NHO node 300. In this embodiment, the service usage information for the user terminal may be a utility token in an amount converted in proportion to the service usage amount and quality according to the use of the neutral network service. To this end, the MNO node 310 may purchase or generate tokens in advance and distribute them to user terminals.

The MNO node 310 pays the legal currency corresponding to the utility token delivered from the NHO node 130 or a stable coin corresponding to the legal currency to the NHO node 300.

The user terminal node 320 is a block chain network node corresponding to a mobile user using a network service of a neutral network operator, and provides functions such as access to a neutral network and transmission of service usage information.

In this embodiment, the user terminal node 320 may receive tokens from the MNO node 310 of the mobile communication service provider to which the user terminal subscribes in advance in connection with the use of the neutral network service.

Accordingly, the user terminal node 320 measures the amount of service usage and quality information according to the use of the neutral network service, and provides the amount of utility token converted in proportion to the measurement result to the NHO node 130 as service usage information. have.

The business platform 330 performs functions necessary to operate a block chain and a block chain network according to the definition of a service node.

Referring to FIG. 4, the business platform 330 according to the present embodiment includes a business service unit 400, a block chain service unit 410, and a block chain 420.

The business service unit 400 is a device that provides necessary services on an off-chain in relation to a neutral network service, and includes a smart contract generation unit 402, a market service function unit 404, and a data analysis service function unit 406. It can be configured.

The smart contract generation unit 402 performs a function of effectively signing a contract and automatically executing the contract between the mobile communication provider and the neutral network provider.

The smart contract generation unit 402 according to the present embodiment creates a smart contract related to a neutral network service between the mobile communication service provider and the neutral network service provider and stores it in a block chain (or distributed ledger).

Referring to FIG. 7, the smart contract generation unit 402 first intersects with each other based on a standard contract or service level agreement (SLA) expressed in natural language between the mobile communication service provider and the neutral network service provider. Adjust/agree on negotiable conditions. 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 smart contract generation unit 402 generates a smart contract (ex: execution code) by converting the signed contract content into executable software on a block chain or a block chain network through a rule engine such as AI.

The smart contract generation unit 402 performs non-repudiation on the smart contract by using digital signatures for each of the mobile communication service provider and the neutral network service provider, and stores this on the block chain 420. This means that the integrity of agreement information concluded between the mobile communication service provider and the neutral network service provider is guaranteed.

The market service function unit 404 provides additional service functions, including a function of supporting product information on the neutral network service described by the neutral network service provider to enable the mobile communication service provider to view in advance. That is, the market service function unit 404 supports the mobile communication service provider to effectively read product information and then move to the contract stage.

The data analysis service function unit 406 performs a function of visualizing and providing related data on some or all of the agreement information included in the smart contract. Meanwhile, the data analysis service function unit 406 may re-convert and provide the agreement information in the form of a code into a natural language for visualization of related data.

The block chain service unit 410 performs a function for automatically executing a smart contract using the block chain 420. To this end, the block chain service unit 410 may perform a function of verifying the integrity of events related to the neutral network service occurring on the off-chain using the block chain 420. In this embodiment, the block chain service unit 410 performs functions of securing the reliability of transactions, providing integrity of N/W performance data, and controlling N/W access using a block chain.

Hereinafter, functions of the block chain service unit 410 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8, 9 and 11 together.

The block chain service unit 410 performs verification by comparing the service use information for the neutral network service measured by the user terminal with the service provision information measured by the NHO node 300, and stores the verified service use information. Store on the blockchain.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 11, first, the user terminal measures service use information (ex: KPI data) for a neutral network service, converts it into a utility token amount, and provides it to the business platform 330.

Meanwhile, for this purpose, software for measuring service usage information and converting it into a utility token amount may be installed on the user terminal. Meanwhile, in the case of the present embodiment, the verification of the above software may be performed with priority in order to provide integrity for service use information.

That is, the user terminal may calculate the hash value before installing or executing the corresponding software, and compare it with the original hash value retrieved on the blockchain to verify the integrity. For example, if the result of comparing the hash value is false, the user terminal can stop the installation or execution. In another embodiment, an asymmetric key cryptosystem may be utilized instead of a hash value.

The blockchain service unit 410 compares the amount of utility tokens received from the user terminal and KPI data for the user terminal measured by the NHO node 300, and verifies the service use information when the difference value is less than a predetermined threshold. It is judged that this is complete. Meanwhile, the block chain service unit 410 may utilize a machine learning method in a process of comparing the amount of utility tokens and KPI data.

In addition, referring to FIG. 9, the block chain service unit 410 prevents the exposure of sensitive information due to the sharing of transaction contents using a block chain, and transaction data collected for any one NHO node-MNO node group It can be logically isolated so that it cannot be verified by other NHO node-MNO node groups, or access rights can be controlled.

The block chain 420 refers to an electronic ledger implemented as a computer-based distributed distributed system composed of blocks composed of transactions. In such a block chain 420, some or all of the NHO node 300, the MNO node 310, the user terminal node 320, and the business platform 330 may be shared with each other.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of providing a neutral network service according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The business platform 330 creates a smart contract related to a neutral network connection service between the mobile communication service provider and the neutral network service provider, and stores the generated smart contract in the block chain (S502). In step S502, the business platform 330 converts the details of the contract concluded based on the standard contract or service level agreement expressed in natural language between the mobile communication service provider and the neutral network operator into software executable on the block chain or the block chain network. Create a smart contract.

The NHO node 300 provides a neutral network service by identifying a user terminal to be provided within the neutral network coverage according to the smart contract in step S502 (S504). In step S504, when receiving an access request from a terminal within the neutral network coverage, the NHO node 300 checks whether the access right is stored on the block chain corresponding to the user terminal, and identifies the user terminal according to the confirmation result. have.

In another embodiment, the NHO node 300 may identify the user terminal by checking whether there is an executable network access service contract between the terminal and the NHO node 300 through a smart contract.

The MNO node 310 collects service usage information for a user terminal from the NHO node 300, and pays a fee corresponding to the service usage information to the NHO node 300 based on the block chain and smart contract (S506). . In step S506, the MNO node 310 receives a utility token from the NHO node 300 as service usage information for the user terminal, and stores the legal currency corresponding to the utility token or a stable coin corresponding to the legal currency at the NHO node ( 300).

Here, since steps S502 to S504 correspond to the operation of each component of the neutral network service system described above, further detailed descriptions will be omitted.

In FIG. 5, it is described that each process is sequentially executed, but is not limited thereto. In other words, since the process described in FIG. 5 may be changed and executed or one or more processes may be executed in parallel, FIG. 2 is not limited to a time series order.

As described above, the method for providing a service of the neutral network service system illustrated in FIG. 5 is a recording medium (CD-ROM, RAM, ROM, memory card, hard disk, magneto-optical disk) that is implemented as a program and can be read using software of a computer. , Storage devices, etc.).

6 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a scenario for providing a neutral network service according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in Fig. 6, the scenario for providing a neutral network service according to the present embodiment consists of steps ① to ⑦.

① The neutral network operator presents the terms and conditions of the agreement, such as rates, settlement methods, and SLA, in relation to the neutral network service through the business platform 330.

② When the mobile communication service provider agrees on the proposed agreement, the business platform 330 stores the agreement as a smart contract in the blockchain and automatically executes it.

③ The MNO node 310 purchases a utility token and distributes it to the user terminal.

④ The NHO node 300 checks the IMSI of the terminal existing in the neutral network coverage, identifies the user terminal to which the service is provided, and provides the access service.

⑤ The user terminal automatically transmits the amount of utility token calculated according to the amount and quality of service use to the NHO node 300.

⑥ The NHO node 300 delivers the utility tokens collected for a certain period to the MNO node 310, and the platform provider generates a block after verifying this, and proceeds to issue tokens and receive fees.

⑦ The MNO node 310 pays the legal currency corresponding to the amount of tokens transferred by the NHO node 300 according to the smart contract or a stable coin fixed in the legal currency to the NHO node 300.

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 exemplary embodiments are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present exemplary embodiment, but are illustrative, and the scope of the technical idea of the present exemplary embodiment is not limited by these exemplary embodiments. 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.

300: NHO node 310: MNO node
320: user terminal node 330: business platform
400: business service unit 402: smart contract generation unit
404: with market service function
406: data analysis service function unit 410: block chain service unit

Claims (15)

A smart contract related to a neutral network service is created between the mobile communication service provider and the neutral network service provider and stored in the block chain, and in order to automatically execute the smart contract, outside the block chain in connection with the neutral network service A business platform operating as a service node for verifying the integrity of data generated in the block chain and storing the verified data in the block chain;
An NHO node that identifies a service provision target user terminal according to the smart contract, provides the neutral network service, and collects service usage information of the user terminal; And
An MNO node that pays a fee corresponding to the service usage information to the NHO node based on the block chain and the smart contract
Neutral network service system comprising a. The method of claim 1,
The business platform,
By converting the contract contents concluded based on the standard contract or service level agreement (SLA) expressed in natural language between the mobile communication service provider and the neutral network service provider into software executable on the blockchain or the blockchain network. A neutral network service system, characterized in that generating the smart contract. The method of claim 2,
The business platform,
A neutral network service system, characterized in that for performing integrity verification and non-repudiation of the smart contract by using digital signatures for each of the mobile communication service provider and the neutral network service provider. The method of claim 1,
The business platform,
Additional service functions, including supporting the mobile communication service provider to preview product information for the neutral network service described by the neutral network service provider, and
A neutral network service system, characterized in that it additionally provides at least one service function among data analysis service functions that visualize and provide related data on some or all of the contract contents included in the smart contract. The method of claim 1,
The business platform,
The integrity of the measurement result is verified by comparing the service usage information measured by the user terminal with the service provision information measured by the NHO node, and the verified service usage information is stored on the blockchain or only the verification result A neutral network service system, characterized in that by registering in the block chain to execute the smart contract. The method of claim 5,
The service usage information for the user terminal,
A neutral network service system, characterized in that it is a utility token of an amount converted in proportion to a service usage amount and quality for the neutral network service. The method of claim 1,
The NHO node,
The neutral network service system, characterized in that for identifying whether or not the service provision target user terminal for a terminal existing in the neutral network coverage based on the smart contract. The method of claim 7,
The MNO node registers an access right to the neutral network matching the user terminal on the blockchain according to the smart contract,
The NHO node identifies the user terminal by checking whether the access right corresponding to the terminal is registered on the block chain. The method of claim 8,
The MNO node,
And transmitting at least one of a certificate and a utility token corresponding to the access right to a block chain account matching the user terminal according to a service provision policy. The method of claim 1,
The service usage information for the user terminal is a utility token in an amount converted in proportion to the service usage amount and quality for the neutral network service,
Wherein the MNO node receives the utility token collected by the NHO node from the user terminal for a predetermined period from the NHO node. The method of claim 10,
The utility token,
A neutral network service system, characterized in that the mobile communication service provider purchases or generates and pre-distributed to the user terminal. The method of claim 10,
The MNO node,
A neutral network service system, characterized in that the legal currency corresponding to the utility token or a stable coin corresponding to the legal currency is paid to the NHO node. As a business platform that functions as a service node of a blockchain network related to neutral network services,
A business service unit that generates a smart contract related to a neutral network service between a mobile communication operator and a neutral network operator, and stores the smart contract on a block chain; And
Using the block chain, in order to automatically execute the smart contract in connection with the use of the neutral network access service of a service providing user terminal, data generated outside the block chain in relation to the neutral network service is verified, and Blockchain service unit that stores verified data in the block chain
Business platform comprising a. In the method of providing a service of a neutral network service system,
A business platform operating as a service node of a blockchain network related to a neutral network service, generating a smart contract related to a neutral network service between a mobile communication operator and a neutral network operator and storing them on the blockchain;
Providing the neutral network service by identifying a user terminal to be provided within the neutral network coverage by the NHO node according to the smart contract; And
The NHO node collects service usage information for the user terminal and delivers it to the MNO node, and the MNO node pays a fee corresponding to the service usage information to the NHO node based on the block chain and the smart contract. process
Including,
In order to automatically execute the smart contract, the business platform verifies the integrity of data generated outside the blockchain in relation to the neutral network service and stores the verified data in the blockchain. Network service system service provision method. delete

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