Techniques for fractional wireless broadband usage

Examples are disclosed for fractional wireless broadband usage. In some examples, a portal managed by a usage manager may be accessed to enable a user of a wireless device to establish an agreement with the usage manager for the use of an application via a wireless wide area network (WWAN). The agreement may include policies associated with limits to data bandwidth utilized while the application is used via the WWAN. For these examples, access may be obtained to the WWAN through an operator of the WWAN. The access may be obtained via presentation of credentials to authenticate the wireless device to the operator of the WWAN. Also, other credentials may be presented to authenticate the wireless device or a user of the wireless device for use the application via the WWAN. The application may then be executed at the wireless device according to the agreement. Also, for these examples, the application may be provided by an application service provider having a service level agreement with the usage manager and/or the operator of the WWAN for providing the application for use via the WWAN. Other examples are described and claimed.

BACKGROUND

Affordable, convenient and ubiquitous broadband connectivity may be highly desirable for users of wireless devices. For example, users of mobile wireless devices such as smartphones, tablets, ultrabooks, netbooks, laptops, etc. may want the ability to affordably use increasing computing capabilities of these wireless devices. Also, wireless wide area networks (WWANs) using mobile telecommunications cellular network or wireless broadband technologies are continually adding broadband capacity to meet the demand resulting from a rapidly growing user base for these types of wireless devices. However, users of wireless devices may become frustrated by high costs, data usage limits or confusing payment schemes resulting from attempts to utilize the full computational power of their wireless devices via a WWAN. In particular, when a user uses applications such as social media applications which may involve a relatively large amount of data being uploaded from or downloaded to a wireless device via a WWAN.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Examples are generally directed to improvements for wireless wide area networks (WWANs) using wireless mobile telecommunication cellular or wireless mobile broadband technologies. Wireless mobile broadband technologies may include any wireless technologies suitable for use with wireless devices or user equipment (UE), such as one or more third generation (3G) or fourth generation (4G) wireless standards, revisions, progeny and variants. Examples of wireless mobile broadband technologies may include without limitation any of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.16m and 802.16p standards, 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) and LTE-Advanced (LTE ADV) standards, and International Mobile Telecommunications Advanced (IMT-ADV) standards, including their revisions, progeny and variants. Other suitable examples may include, without limitation, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM)/Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) technologies, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS)/High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) technologies, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) or the WiMAX II technologies, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) 2000 system technologies (e.g., CDMA2000 1×RTT, CDMA2000 EV-DO, CDMA EV-DV, and so forth), High Performance Radio Metropolitan Area Network (HIPERMAN) technologies as defined by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) Broadband Radio Access Networks (BRAN), Wireless Broadband (WiBro) technologies, GSM with General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) system (GSM/GPRS) technologies, High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) technologies, High Speed Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM) Packet Access (HSOPA) technologies, High-Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA) system technologies, 3GPP Rel. 8, 9 or 10 of LTE/System Architecture Evolution (SAE), and so forth. The examples are not limited in this context.

By way of example and not limitation, various examples may be described with specific reference to various 3GPP LTE and LTE ADV standards, such as the 3GPP LTE Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) and LTE ADV Radio Technology 36 Series of Technical Specifications (collectively “3GPP LTE Specifications”), and IEEE 802.16 standards, such as the IEEE 802.16-2009 standard and current third revision to IEEE 802.16 referred to as “802.16Rev3” consolidating standards 802.16-2009, 802.16h-2010 and 802.16m-2011, and the IEEE 802.16p draft standards including IEEE P802.16.1b/D2 Jan. 2012 titled “Draft Amendment to IEEE Standard for WirelessMAN-Advanced Air Interface for Broadband Wireless Access Systems, Enhancements to Support Machine-to-Machine Applications” (collectively “IEEE 802.16 Standards”), and any drafts, revisions or variants of the 3GPP LTE Specifications and the IEEE 802.16 Standards. Although some embodiments may be described as a 3GPP LTE Specifications or IEEE 802.16 Standards system by way of example and not limitation, it may be appreciated that other types of communications system may be implemented as various other types of mobile broadband communications systems and standards. The examples are not limited in this context

As contemplated in the present disclosure, users of wireless devices may become frustrated by high costs, data usage limits or confusing payment schemes resulting from attempts to utilize the full computational power of their wireless devices via a WWAN. For example, a first user of a wireless device may only use certain applications sporadically during a given billing cycle and yet may be required to pay for a data plan that allows for more broadband data usage than is needed by this first user. A second user may use several applications or use a single application that may require a large amount of broadband data usage. The second user may quickly reach their data plan's capacity and have to pay a high penalty for additional broadband data usage. In either case, these users may become frustrated by data plans that lack flexibility in meeting each user's usage needs.

In some examples, WWAN operators may also find it difficult to build out their infrastructure to support a wide range of usage modules that vary not only between users but between groups of users associated with communities, cities, regions or even countries. In some instances, WWAN operators may build wireless mobile broadband capacity that may be at least partially unused in one community or region. Meanwhile, another region or community may lack enough wireless mobile broadband capacity to meet user demands. One possible solution is to allow wireless device users an ability to choose fractional wireless broadband usage when using a given application via a WWAN. Current broadband data plans lack the flexibility to allow for fractional wireless broadband usage when using a given application. It is with respect to these and other challenges that the examples described herein are needed.

In some examples, techniques are implemented for fractional wireless broadband usage. These techniques may include accessing, at a wireless device, a portal managed by a usage manager to establish an agreement an agreement with the usage manager for use of an application via a WWAN. The agreement may include policies associated with limits to data bandwidth utilized while the application is used via the WWAN. For these examples, access to the WWAN may be obtained through an operator of the WWAN (e.g., a mobile network operator (MNO)) to enable use of the application by presenting credentials for authenticating the wireless device to the operator of the WWAN and/or presenting credentials to the usage manager for authenticating the wireless device for use of the application. The application may then be executed according to the agreement. According to some examples, the application may be provided by an application service provider (ASP) having a service level agreement (SLA) with the usage manager and/or the operator of the WWAN for providing the application to the wireless device via the WWAN.

According to some examples, techniques for fractional wireless broadband usage may also include establishing an agreement enable use of an application via a WWAN. The agreement may include policies associated with limits to data bandwidth utilized while the application is accessed via the WWAN by the wireless device. For these examples, the techniques may also include receiving credentials to authenticate the wireless device for use of the application, enforcing policies included in the agreement while the application is used and billing for use of the application via the WWAN. The techniques may also include maintaining an SLA with an ASP that provides the application for use via the WWAN.

FIG. 1illustrates an example of a first system. In some examples, as shown inFIG. 1, the first system includes a system100. Also, as shown inFIG. 1, system100includes a wireless device110, a WWAN120, a service provider130and an application service provider140. In some examples, elements of system100may be communicatively coupled via various control and/or data paths as shown inFIG. 1. For example, wireless device110may be communicatively coupled to WWAN120, service provider130or application service provider140via one or more of control paths150-1to150-4. These control paths may be for purposes of controlling usage of an application by a user of wireless device110. Also, wireless device110may be communicatively coupled to application service provider140via a first data path that includes data path segments160-1,160-2and160-3or via a second data path that includes data path segments160-1and160-4. These data paths may be for purposes of exchanging data associated with usage of the application by the user of wireless device110. The first and second data paths may be monitored to determine data bandwidth utilized while the user of wireless device110uses the application.

According to some examples, as shown inFIG. 1, WWAN120may include an operator122. Operator122may include a mobile network operator (MNO) such as, for example, AT&T®, Verizon Wireless®, T-Mobile® or Sprint®. As described more below, operator122may control access to WWAN120via which a user of wireless device110may use an application provided by an ASP such as application service provider140.

In some examples, as shown inFIG. 1, service provider130may include a usage manager105. As described more below, usage manager105may include logic and/or features to establish an agreement with a user of a wireless device (e.g., wireless device110) for the user to use an application via WWAN120. Usage manager105may also authenticate credentials of users having previously established agreements with usage manager105, enforce policies included in those agreements, bill users and maintain SLAs with ASPs such as application service provider140.

According to some examples, a user of wireless device110may enter an agreement with usage manager105located with service provider130. The agreement may be for the user of wireless device110to use an application via WWAN120. For these examples, the agreement may include policies associated with limits to data bandwidth utilized while the user uses the application via WWAN120. The application used may include, but is not limited to, a social media application, an image sharing application, a video sharing application, a streaming audio application, a streaming video application, an electronic mail (e-mail) application, a financial information application, a stock market investor application, a sporting news application, a business news application, a general news application, a gaming application, a software as a service application or a cloud computing application.

In some examples, the user of wireless device110may obtain access to WWAN120through operator122for the user to use the application via WWAN120by presenting credentials to operator122and/or usage manager105. For these examples, as described more below, the credentials presented to operator122and/or usage manager105may be for authenticating the user.

According to some examples, at least a portion of the application may be executed at wireless device110according to the agreement established between usage manager105and the user of wireless device110. For these examples, the application may be provided by application service provider140. Also for these examples, application service provider140may have an SLA with usage manager105and/or operator122. The SLA, for example, may include sharing revenue generated by the user's usage of the application provided by application service provider140.

In some examples, usage manager105at service provider130may also establish and maintain an SLA with operator122at WWAN120. For these examples, the SLA with operator122may enable usage manager105to arrange for wireless device110to access WWAN120to use an application according to an agreement between usage manager105and a user of wireless device110. The SLA with operator122may also include sharing revenue generated by the user's usage of the application via WWAN120.

FIG. 2illustrates an example of a second system. According to some examples, as shown inFIG. 2, the second system includes a system200. Also, as shown inFIG. 2, system200includes a wireless device210, a WWAN220and an application service provider240. In some examples, similar toFIG. 1, elements of system200may be communicatively coupled via various control and/or data paths as shown inFIG. 2. For example, wireless device210may be communicatively coupled to WWAN220or application service provider240via one or more of control paths250-1or250-2. Also, wireless device210may be communicatively coupled to application service provider240via a data path that includes data path segments260-1and260-2. The path that includes data path segments260-1and260-2may be monitored to determine data bandwidth utilized while the user of wireless device uses the application.

In some examples, similar to WWAN120inFIG. 1, WWAN220may include an operator222. However, different from WWAN120, WWAN220is shown inFIG. 2as operator222also including a usage manager105. For these examples, operator222and usage manager105may be part of a same operating entity. For example, as part of the same operating entity, operator222may control or allow access to a user of wireless device210to use an application provided by application240via WWAN220. Also, as part of the same operating entity, usage manager105may manage one or more agreements with the user to use the application via WWAN220. Usage manager105may also manage one or more SLAs with application service provider240to provide the application to the user via WWAN220.

FIG. 3illustrates an example of a process300. In some examples, process300may be for implementing techniques for fractional wireless broadband usage. For these examples, elements of systems100or200as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2may be used to illustrate example operations related to process300. The described example operations are not limited to implementations using elements of systems100or200as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2.

Beginning at process 3.1 (Establish/Maintain Application SLA), logic and/or features at a usage manager may establish and maintain an application SLA with an ASP. In some examples, usage manager105may establish and maintain the application SLA with an ASP such as application service provider140or240. For these examples, the SLA may include contract terms for these ASPs to provide an application to be used by users of wireless devices coupled to WWAN120or220. The contract terms, for example, may include revenue sharing agreements for revenues associated with use of the application provided by a given ASP. Those revenues may result from, but are not limited to, a user purchasing the application or advertising revenues from embedded advertisements in the application displayed while the user uses the application. In some examples, the revenues may also be shared with the WWAN operator. The usage manager's maintenance of the application SLA may include, but is not limited to, occasionally authenticating ASPs to ensure a given ASP is still who they say they are and are not spoofing another ASP to gain unauthorized access to the WWAN and/or to users coupled to the WWAN.

Proceeding to process 3.2 (Establish/Maintain Access SLA), logic and/or features at the usage manager and a WWAN operator may establish an access SLA with a WWAN operator. Also, logic and/or features at the usage manager may maintain the access SLA. According to some examples, when the usage manager and the WWAN operator are separate operating entities such as described inFIG. 1, an SLA may be needed to establish contract terms for the usage manager to manage a user's use of an application via the WWAN.

In some examples, the usage manager may establish an SLA with the operator of WWAN. The usage manager and/or the operator may then maintain the SLA. In some examples, the SLA may include terms for costs associated with use of an application via the WWAN. These costs may be based on the amount of bandwidth the application is expected to consume while the application is used. The costs may also be associated with controlling access to the WWAN. The SLA may also include revenue sharing terms for revenues associated with the use of the application (e.g., advertising revenues).

Proceeding to process 3.3 (Establish/Manage Agreement), logic and/or features at the usage manager and a wireless device may establish an agreement via which an application may be used and/or accessed via the WWAN operated by the WWAN operator. Also, logic and/or features at the usage manager may manage the agreement. In some examples, the wireless device may include logic and/or features capable of executing a browser application displayed on a display for the wireless device to enable a user of the wireless device to view, modify or select terms of an agreement with the usage manager. For these examples, the agreement may be to use an application provided by an ASP such as application service provider140. The application may be used via the WWAN.

In some examples, terms of the agreement, for example, may include policies associated with either unlimited data usage for a given purchase amount, data usage limits for another purchase amount, or an option to pay a given amount for each given unit of data used while the application is used. The policies may also be associated with the types of data permitted while using the application. For example, streaming high-definition video may be restricted or prohibited while using the application. In other examples, high bandwidth usage may be limited during peak demand periods for the WWAN (e.g., during business hours) but may be unrestricted during non-peak demand periods.

According to some examples, the usage manager may include logic and/or features to finalize or establish the agreement and then maintain the agreement. Maintenance of agreement may include monitoring the usage of the application and possibly updating or renewing the agreement as necessary.

Proceeding to process 3.4 (Credentials to Use Application), the wireless device may include logic and/or features arranged to present credentials for use of the application by the wireless device or the user to the usage manager. According to some examples, the wireless device may present credentials to the usage manager to use the application via the WWAN. For these examples, the credentials may include a digest access authentication process between a browser application executed at the wireless device and a web server associated with the usage manager. The digest access authentication process may include the wireless device presenting a session initiation protocol (SIP) digest such as described in Request for Comment (RFC) 3261, SIP: Session Initiation Protocol, Published in June 2002. In some other examples, credentials may include an X.509 certificate associated with public key infrastructure (PKI) and privilege management infrastructure (PMI) such as described in RFC 5280, Internet X.509 PKI Certificate and Certificate Revocation List (CRL) Profile, Published in May 2008. In some other examples, credentials may also include a password. Other examples of credentials are contemplated and this disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned examples of credentials for a wireless device to present to a usage manager.

Proceeding to process 3.5 (Authenticate User to Use Application), the usage manager may include logic and/or features arranged to authenticate the wireless device or the user to use the application via the WWAN. In some examples, the usage manager may receive the credentials presented by the wireless device having an established agreement to use the application. For example, the wireless device may present credentials to the usage manager that includes one or more of an SIP digest, an X.509 certificate or a password. The usage manager may then authenticate the wireless device and/or the user for usage of the application based on the validity of the presented credentials. If the credentials are invalid, the usage manager may request additional credentials and/or may deny access to the application by the wireless device and/or the user.

Proceeding to process 3.6 (Credentials to Access WWAN), the wireless device may include logic and/or features arranged to present credentials to the WWAN operator for access to the WWAN. According to some examples, the wireless device may include logic and/or features capable of supporting a subscriber identity module (SIM). The SIM may include, but is not limited to, a universal SIM (USIM). For these examples, the USIM may enable the wireless device to present the credentials for authenticating the wireless device or the user to the WWAN operator for access to the WWAN. Other examples for presenting credentials to access a WWAN are contemplated and this disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned example of presenting credentials for a wireless device or user to access a WWAN.

Proceeding to process 3.7 (Authenticate User or Wireless Device for Access), the WWAN operator may include logic and/or features arranged to receive the credentials presented by the wireless device and authenticate the user and/or the wireless device for access to the WWAN. In some examples, the wireless device may be wireless device110that includes a USIM provided by operator122of WWAN120(e.g., via a USIM card). For these examples, since the USIM was provided by operator122, credentials presented via the USIM may be considered as valid and the wireless device or user may be authenticated for access to WWAN120. If the USIM was not provided by operator122and/or was not recognized as an authorized USIM, the credentials presented may be deemed as invalid and access to WWAN120may be denied.

Proceeding to process 3.8 (Prepayment—If Required), the wireless device may include logic and/or features arranged to enable prepayment if required. According to some examples, the wireless device may be capable of receiving prepayment information from a user in order to prepay for use of the application via the WWAN according to an established agreement with the usage manager. For example, the user may be prompted to enter bank account information or credit card information via the browser application in order to provide funds to prepay for usage of the application.

Proceeding to process 3.9 (Use Application), the wireless device may include logic and/or features to enable execution of at least portions of the application on the wireless device. According to some examples, the wireless device may include logic and/or features capable of executing the application. At least portions of the application may be downloaded directly from an ASP such as application service provider140or240, may be downloaded from a 3rdparty application vendor, or may be pre-loaded on the wireless device. The at least portions of the application may be executed according to the established agreement with the usage manager as mentioned above.

Proceeding to process 3.10 (Enforce Policies), the usage manager may include logic and/or features to enforce policies included in the agreement for use of the application via the WWAN. In some examples, the usage manager may enforce policies include in the established agreement. For these examples, enforcement of the policies may include filtering data traffic associated with usage of the application covered in the agreement. Filtering the data traffic may include blocking data traffic not covered by the agreement from being transmitted over a least a portion of the WWAN. For example, blocking data associated with streaming high definition video, blocking data having a destination not covered by the agreement or blocking data once data limits and/or prepayment data limits are exceeded. The usage manager may include logic and/or features capable of filtering data based on examination of data packet headers associated with usage of the application or filtering based on deep packet inspection of data packets associated with usage of the application.

According to some examples, the wireless device may include logic and/or features to assist the usage manager in enforcement of at least a portion of the policies. For these examples, the wireless device may be capable of filtering data traffic and blocking or not allowing data traffic to be transmitted or received if the data traffic is not covered by the agreement with the usage manager. In some examples, the data traffic may be filtered by either examining headers or deep packet inspection as mentioned above.

Proceeding to process 3.11 (Enforce Policies), the WWAN operator may also include logic and/or features to enforce policies included in the agreement for the user to use the application. According to some examples, the WWN operator may include logic and/or features to also enforce policies included in the agreement to use the application via the WWAN. Similar to enforcement by the usage manager, enforcement of the policies by the operator of the WWAN operator may include filtering data traffic by examination of packet headers are by deep packet inspection. Also, in some examples, the wireless device may also enforce at least a portion of the policies included in the agreement to included filtering data traffic associated with the application before it is transmitted or received at the wireless device.

Proceeding to process 3.12 (Track Usage and Bill), the usage manager may include logic and/or features to track usage of the application via the WWAN and then bill based on the usage. In some examples, the usage manager may track the amount of data associated with use of the application covered in the agreement. For these examples, the usage manager may track the usage by monitoring the amount of data being exchanged between the wireless device and the ASP providing the application. Based on the monitored amount of data, a bill may be generated and sent to the wireless device.

Proceeding to process 3.13 (Payment for Usage), the wireless device may include logic and/or features to enable the user of the wireless device to make a payment for usage of the application via the WWAN. According to some examples, the usage manager may have sent a bill for usage of the application. For these examples, the wireless device may present billing information associated with the bill. The billing information may be presented via the browser application capable of allowing the user to enter information to pay the bill. The information entered by the user may include bank account information, credit card information or other means for providing funds to pay the bill.

In some examples, various processes of process300may be repeated based on events such as updates to SLAs, agreements or authentication procedures/processes. Also, additional agreements may be established according to process300to enable use of additional applications via the WWAN that may be provided by the same or other ASPs.

FIG. 4illustrates a block diagram for a first apparatus. As shown inFIG. 4, the first apparatus includes an apparatus400. Although apparatus400shown inFIG. 4has a limited number of elements in a certain topology or configuration, it may be appreciated that apparatus400may include more or less elements in alternate configurations as desired for a given implementation.

The apparatus400may comprise a computer-implemented apparatus400having a processor circuit420arranged to execute one or more software components422-a. It is worthy to note that “a” and “b” and “c” and similar designators as used herein are intended to be variables representing any positive integer. Thus, for example, if an implementation sets a value for a=5, then a complete set of software components422-amay include components422-1,422-2,422-3,422-4and422-5. The embodiments are not limited in this context.

According to some examples, apparatus400may be part of a wireless device arranged to operate in compliance with one or more wireless broadband technologies such as those described in the 3GPP LTE Specifications. For example, apparatus400may be arranged or configured to communicatively couple to an LTE and/or LTE-A compliant wireless network. The examples are not limited in this context.

In some examples, as shown inFIG. 4, apparatus400includes processor circuit420. Processor circuit420may be generally arranged to execute one or more software components422-a. The processor circuit420can be any of various commercially available processors, including without limitation an AMD® Athlon®, Duron® and Opteron® processors; ARM® application, embedded and secure processors; IBM® and Motorola® DragonBall® and PowerPC® processors; IBM and Sony® Cell processors; Intel® Celeron®, Core (2) Duo®, Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, Itanium®, Pentium®, Xeon®, and XScale® processors; and similar processors. Dual microprocessors, multi-core processors, and other multi-processor architectures may also be employed as processor circuit420.

According to some examples, apparatus400may include an agreement component422-1. Agreement component422-1may be arranged for execution by processor circuit420to establish agreement410with a usage manager for the use of an application via a WWAN. For example, agreement component422-1may include a browser application executed at the wireless device. The browser application may enable a user of the wireless device to access a portal managed by the usage manager and then view and/or modify terms of agreement410to use the application via the WWAN. In some examples, agreement410may include policies associated with limits to data bandwidth utilized over the WWAN while the application is used.

In some examples, apparatus400may also include a credential component422-2. Credential component422-2may be arranged for execution by processor circuit420to present credentials412to authenticate the user or the wireless device to an operator of the WWAN and/or present credentials412to the usage manager for use the application via the WWAN. In some examples, credential component422-2may include a USIM arranged to present at least a portion of credentials412to the operator of the WWAN for access to the WWAN. Credential component422-2may also be arranged to present at least a portion of credentials412to the usage manager to use the application. This at least portion of credentials412presented to the usage manager may include, but is not limited to, an X.509 certificate, a password or an SIP digest. If credentials412are deemed to be valid by the operator of the WWAN and/or the usage manager, an authentication414may be received to indicate the validity of credentials412.

In some examples, apparatus400may also include an application component422-3. Application component422-3may be arranged for execution by processor circuit420to execute at least portions of the application on the wireless device.

According to some examples, apparatus400may also include a filter component422-4. Filter component422-3may be arranged for execution by processor circuit420to enforce the policies included in the agreement established with the usage manager for use of the application via the WWAN. For these examples, the policies may be enforced while the using the application and may include allowing data traffic associated application usage416to be transmitted from the wireless device based on the policies included in agreement410.

In some examples, apparatus400may also include a payment component422-5. Payment component422-5may be arranged for execution by processor circuit420to receive bill for usage418. A bill for usage418may include billing information for the user using the application according to agreement410. For these examples, payment component422-5may be arranged to provide or present the billing information to the user and also arranged to gather payment information for a payment420to cover the bill indicated in bill for usage418. For example, the billing information included in bill for usage418may be presented via the browser application capable of allowing the user to enter information for the sending of payment420. Payment420may include information entered by the user such as bank account information, credit card information or other means for providing funds to make a payment.

Various components of apparatus400and a device implementing apparatus400may be communicatively coupled to each other by various types of communications media to coordinate operations. The coordination may involve the uni-directional or bi-directional exchange of information. For instance, the components may communicate information in the form of signals communicated over the communications media. The information can be implemented as signals allocated to various signal lines. In such allocations, each message is a signal. Further embodiments, however, may alternatively employ data messages. Such data messages may be sent across various connections. Example connections include parallel interfaces, serial interfaces, and bus interfaces.

A logic flow may be implemented in software, firmware, and/or hardware. In software and firmware embodiments, a logic flow may be implemented by computer executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory computer readable medium or machine readable medium, such as an optical, magnetic or semiconductor storage. The embodiments are not limited in this context.

FIG. 5illustrates an example of a first logic flow. As shown inFIG. 5, the first logic flow includes a logic flow500. Logic flow500may be representative of some or all of the operations executed by one or more logic, features, or devices described herein, such as apparatus400. More particularly, logic flow500may be implemented by agreement component422-1, credential component422-2, application component422-3, filter component422-4or payment component422-5.

In the illustrated example shown inFIG. 5, logic flow500may access a portal managed by a usage manager at block502. In some examples, agreement component422-1of apparatus400(e.g., included in a wireless device) may include a browser application to establish an agreement with the usage manager. The agreement may be for use of an application via a WWAN. According to some examples, the agreement may include policies associated with limits to data bandwidth utilized while the application is used via the WWAN.

According to some examples, logic flow500at block504may obtain access to the WWAN through an operator of the WWAN to enable use of the application. For these examples, credential component422-2may present credentials for authenticating the wireless device or the user to the operator of the WWAN to obtain access to the WWAN. Credential component422-2may also present credentials to the usage manager for authenticating the wireless device or the user for use of the application via the WWAN.

According to some examples, logic flow500at block506may execute the application according to the agreement. For these examples, application component422-3may be arranged to execute at least a portion of the application on the wireless device. Filter component422-4may also filter data traffic associated with execution of the application in order to enforce at least some of the policies included in the agreement with the usage manager.

In some examples, logic flow500at block508may receive billing information for using the application according to the agreement and then present the received billing information to the user at block510. For these examples, payment component422-5may be arranged or configured to receive and provide the billing information for viewing by the user and also enable the user to pay for usage of the application.

FIG. 6illustrates an embodiment of a first storage medium. As shown inFIG. 6, the first storage medium includes a storage medium600. Storage medium600may comprise an article of manufacture. In some examples, storage medium600may include any non-transitory computer readable medium or machine readable medium, such as an optical, magnetic or semiconductor storage. Storage medium600may store various types of computer executable instructions, such as instructions to implement logic flow500. Examples of a computer readable or machine readable storage medium may include any tangible media capable of storing electronic data, including volatile memory or non-volatile memory, removable or non-removable memory, erasable or non-erasable memory, writeable or re-writeable memory, and so forth. Examples of computer executable instructions may include any suitable type of code, such as source code, compiled code, interpreted code, executable code, static code, dynamic code, object-oriented code, visual code, and the like. The examples are not limited in this context.

FIG. 7illustrates an example block diagram for a second apparatus. As shown inFIG. 7, the second apparatus includes an apparatus700. Although apparatus700shown inFIG. 7has a limited number of elements in a certain topology or configuration, it may be appreciated that apparatus700may include more or less elements in alternate configurations as desired for a given implementation.

The apparatus700may comprise a computer-implemented apparatus700having a processor circuit720arranged to execute one or more software components722-a. Similar to apparatus400forFIG. 4, “a” and “b” and “c” and similar designators maybe variables representing any positive integer.

According to some examples, apparatus700may be system equipment (e.g., located at or with WWAN120or220or located at or with a service provider130), such as network equipment for a communications system or network compliant with one or more wireless broadband technologies such as those described in the 3GPP LTE Specifications. For example, apparatus700may be implemented as part of a base station or eNB for an LTE and/or LTE-A compliant wireless network if located at or with WWAN120or220. Alternatively, apparatus700may be implemented as part of a server if located with service provider130. The server may have communication interfaces capable of coupling to an LTE and/or LTE-A compliant wireless network. Although some examples are described with reference to a base station, eNB or server, examples may utilize any network equipment that couples to a communications system or network. The examples are not limited in this context.

In some examples, as shown inFIG. 7, apparatus700includes processor circuit720. Processor circuit720may be generally arranged to execute one or more software components722-a. The processor circuit720can be any of various commercially available processors to include, but not limited to, those previously mentioned for processing circuit420for apparatus400. Dual microprocessors, multi-core processors, and other multi-processor architectures may also be employed as processor circuit720.

According to some examples, apparatus700may include an agreement component722-1. Agreement component722-1may be arranged for execution by processor circuit720to enter agreements710for use applications via a WWAN. Agreement component722-1may also be arranged to enter agreements such as SLAs with either an operator of the WWAN or one or more ASPs that provide the applications. For example, agreement component722-1may include a portal via which browsers applications executed at the wireless devices may enable users of these wireless devices to enter into agreements710. In some examples, agreements710may include policies associated with limits to data bandwidth utilized over the WWAN while the applications are used. Agreements710associated with SLAs may include revenue sharing terms for revenue generated during use of the applications.

In some examples, apparatus700may also include a credential component722-2. Credential component722-2may be arranged for execution by processor circuit720to receive credentials712to authenticate one or more wireless devices or users of these wireless devices. In some examples, credential component722-2may receive credentials from USIMs located at the one or more wireless devices and provide an authentication715if the credentials are found to be valid. For these examples, authentication715may be for the one or more wireless devices to gain access to the WWAN. Credential component722-2may also be arranged to receive credentials712that may include, but are not limited to, an X.509 certificate, a password or an SIP digest. If these credentials included in credentials712are deemed to be valid by the operator of the WWAN and/or the usage manager, an authentication715may be sent to those wireless devices deemed to have sent valid credentials and authenticated users may be able to use applications via the WWAN.

In some examples, apparatus700may also include track component722-3. Track component722-3may be arranged for execution by processor circuit720to track usage of an application. Track component722-3may be arranged to directly track usage or may receive at least some accounting information from elements such as the ASPs that provide the application for use via the WWAN. The at least some accounting information is shown inFIG. 7as track usage714.

According to some examples, apparatus700may also include a filter component722-4. Filter component722-4may be arranged for execution by processor circuit720to enforce the policies included in the agreement established to use the applications via the WWAN. For these examples, the policies may be enforced while the application is being used and may include allowing data traffic associated with application usage to be transmitted over at least a portion of the WWAN based on the policies included in agreements710.

In some examples, apparatus700may also include a bill component722-5. Bill component722-5may be arranged for execution by processor circuit720to send bill for usage716to the one or more users or wireless devices. A bill for usage716may include billing information for the application usage according to agreements710. For these examples, bill component722-5may be arranged to receive payment information from the one or more users for a payment718to cover the bill indicated in bill for usage716.

Various components of apparatus700and a device implementing apparatus700may be communicatively coupled to each other by various types of communications media to coordinate operations. The coordination may involve the uni-directional or bi-directional exchange of information. For instance, the components may communicate information in the form of signals communicated over the communications media. The information can be implemented as signals allocated to various signal lines. In such allocations, each message is a signal. Further embodiments, however, may alternatively employ data messages. Such data messages may be sent across various connections. Example connections include parallel interfaces, serial interfaces, and bus interfaces.

FIG. 8illustrates an example of a second logic flow. As shown inFIG. 8, the second logic flow includes a logic flow800. Logic flow800may be representative of some or all of the operations executed by one or more logic, features, or devices described herein, such as apparatus700. More particularly, logic flow800may be implemented by agreement component722-1, credential component722-2, track component722-3, filter component722-4or bill component722-5.

In the illustrated example shown inFIG. 8, logic flow800may establish an agreement to enable use of an application via a WWAN at block802. In some examples agreement component722-1of apparatus700(e.g., included with a usage manager) may include a portal to enable establishment of the agreement with a wireless device to use the application via the WWAN. For these examples the agreement may include policies associated with limits to data bandwidth utilized while the application is accessed via the WWAN by the wireless device.

According to some examples, logic flow800at block804may receive credentials to authenticate the wireless device for use of the application. For these examples, credential component722-2may receive the credentials and authenticate the wireless device for use of the application based on the received credentials.

In some examples, logic flow800at block806may track usage of the. For these examples, track component722-3may be arranged to track the usage of the application.

According to some examples, logic flow800may bill based on the tracked usage at block810. For these examples, bill component722-5may send a bill to a user of the wireless device based on the tracked usage.

In some examples, logic flow800may maintain an SLA at block812. For these examples, agreement component722-1may be arranged to maintain the SLA with an ASP that provides the application for use via the WWAN.

FIG. 9illustrates an embodiment of a second storage medium. As shown inFIG. 9, the second storage medium includes a storage medium900. Storage medium900may comprise an article of manufacture. In some examples, storage medium900may include any non-transitory computer readable medium or machine readable medium, such as an optical, magnetic or semiconductor storage. Storage medium900may store various types of computer executable instructions, such as instructions to implement logic flow800. Examples of a computer readable or machine readable storage medium may include any tangible media capable of storing electronic data, including volatile memory or non-volatile memory, removable or non-removable memory, erasable or non-erasable memory, writeable or re-writeable memory, and so forth. Examples of computer executable instructions may include any suitable type of code, such as source code, compiled code, interpreted code, executable code, static code, dynamic code, object-oriented code, visual code, and the like. The examples are not limited in this context.

FIG. 10illustrates an embodiment of a device1000for use in a broadband wireless access network. Device1000may implement, for example, apparatus400or700, storage medium600or900and/or a logic circuit1070. The logic circuit1070may include physical circuits to perform operations described for apparatus400or apparatus700. As shown inFIG. 10, device1000may include a radio interface1010, baseband circuitry1020, and computing platform1030, although examples are not limited to this configuration.

The device1000may implement some or all of the structure and/or operations for apparatus400or700, storage medium600or900and/or logic circuit1070in a single computing entity, such as entirely within a single device. Alternatively, the device1000may distribute portions of the structure and/or operations for apparatus400or700, storage medium600or900and/or logic circuit1070across multiple computing entities using a distributed system architecture, such as a client-server architecture, a 3-tier architecture, an N-tier architecture, a tightly-coupled or clustered architecture, a peer-to-peer architecture, a master-slave architecture, a shared database architecture, and other types of distributed systems. The embodiments are not limited in this context.

In one embodiment, radio interface1010may include a component or combination of components adapted for transmitting and/or receiving single carrier or multi-carrier modulated signals (e.g., including complementary code keying (CCK) and/or orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols) although the embodiments are not limited to any specific over-the-air interface or modulation scheme. Radio interface1010may include, for example, a receiver1012, a transmitter1016and/or a frequency synthesizer1014. Radio interface1010may include bias controls, a crystal oscillator and/or one or more antennas1018-f. In another embodiment, radio interface1010may use external voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs), surface acoustic wave filters, intermediate frequency (IF) filters and/or RF filters, as desired. Due to the variety of potential RF interface designs an expansive description thereof is omitted.

Baseband circuitry1020may communicate with radio interface1010to process receive and/or transmit signals and may include, for example, an analog-to-digital converter1022for down converting received signals, a digital-to-analog converter1024for up converting signals for transmission. Further, baseband circuitry1020may include a baseband or physical layer (PHY) processing circuit1026for PHY link layer processing of respective receive/transmit signals. Baseband circuitry1020may include, for example, a processing circuit1028for medium access control (MAC)/data link layer processing. Baseband circuitry1020may include a memory controller1032for communicating with MAC processing circuit1028and/or a computing platform1030, for example, via one or more interfaces1034.

In some embodiments, PHY processing circuit1026may include a frame construction and/or detection module, in combination with additional circuitry such as a buffer memory, to construct and/or deconstruct communication frames (e.g., containing subframes). Alternatively or in addition, MAC processing circuit1028may share processing for certain of these functions or perform these processes independent of PHY processing circuit1026. In some embodiments, MAC and PHY processing may be integrated into a single circuit.

Computing platform1030may further include a network interface1060. In some examples, network interface1060may include logic and/or features to support network interfaces operated in compliance with one or more wireless broadband technologies such as those described in one or more 3GPP LTE or LTE-A specifications or standards

Device1000may be, for example, user equipment, a computer, a personal computer (PC), a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a netbook computer, a server, a server array or server farm, a web server, a network server, an Internet server, a work station, a mini-computer, a main frame computer, a supercomputer, a network appliance, a web appliance, a distributed computing system, multiprocessor systems, processor-based systems, wireless access point, base station, node B, subscriber station, mobile subscriber center, radio network controller, router, hub, gateway, bridge, switch, machine, or combination thereof. Accordingly, functions and/or specific configurations of device1000described herein, may be included or omitted in various embodiments of device1000, as suitably desired. In some embodiments, device1000may be configured to be compatible with protocols and frequencies associated one or more of the 3GPP LTE Specifications and/or IEEE 802.16 Standards for WWANs and/or other broadband wireless networks, cited herein, although the examples are not limited in this respect.

Embodiments of device1000may be implemented using single input single output (SISO) architectures. However, certain implementations may include multiple antennas (e.g., antennas1018-f) for transmission and/or reception using adaptive antenna techniques for beamforming or spatial division multiple access (SDMA) and/or using multiple input multiple output (MIMO) communication techniques.

FIG. 11illustrates an embodiment of a broadband wireless access system1100. As shown inFIG. 11, broadband wireless access system1100may be an internet protocol (IP) type network comprising an internet1110type network or the like that is capable of supporting mobile wireless access and/or fixed wireless access to internet1110. In one or more embodiments, broadband wireless access system1100may comprise any type of orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) based wireless network, such as a system compliant with one or more of the 3GPP LTE Specifications and/or IEEE 802.16 Standards, and the scope of the claimed subject matter is not limited in these respects.

In the exemplary broadband wireless access system1100, access service networks (ASN)1114,1118are capable of coupling with base stations (BS)1114,1120(or eNBs), respectively, to provide wireless communication between one or more fixed devices1116and internet1110, or one or more mobile devices1122and Internet1110. One example of a fixed device1116and a mobile device1122is UE105or UE205, with the fixed device1116comprising a stationary version of UE105or UE205and the mobile device1122comprising a mobile version of UE105or UE205. ASN1112may implement profiles that are capable of defining the mapping of network functions to one or more physical entities on broadband wireless access system1100. Base stations1114,1120(or eNBs) may comprise radio equipment to provide RF communication with fixed device1116and mobile device1122, such as described with reference to device1100, and may comprise, for example, the PHY, MAC, RLC or PDCP layer equipment in compliance with a 3GPP LTE Specification or an IEEE 802.16 Standard. Base stations1114,1120(or eNBs) may further comprise an IP backplane to couple to Internet1110via ASN1112,1118, respectively, although the scope of the claimed subject matter is not limited in these respects.

Broadband wireless access system1100may further comprise a visited connectivity service network (CSN)1124capable of providing one or more network functions including but not limited to proxy and/or relay type functions, for example authentication, authorization and accounting (AAA) functions, dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) functions, or domain name service controls or the like, domain gateways such as public switched telephone network (PSTN) gateways or voice over internet protocol (VoIP) gateways, and/or internet protocol (IP) type server functions, or the like. However, these are merely example of the types of functions that are capable of being provided by visited CSN1124or home CSN1126, and the scope of the claimed subject matter is not limited in these respects. Visited CSN1124may be referred to as a visited CSN in the case where visited CSN1124is not part of the regular service provider of fixed device1116or mobile device1122, for example where fixed1116or mobile device1122is roaming away from their respective home CSN1126, or where broadband wireless access system1100is part of the regular service provider of fixed device1116or mobile device1122but where broadband wireless access system1100may be in another location or state that is not the main or home location of fixed device1116or mobile device1122.

Fixed device1116may be located anywhere within range of one or both base stations1114,1120, such as in or near a home or business to provide home or business customer broadband access to Internet1110via base stations1114,1120and ASN1112,1118, respectively, and home CSN1126. It is worthy to note that although fixed device1116is generally disposed in a stationary location, it may be moved to different locations as needed. Mobile device1122may be utilized at one or more locations if mobile device1122is within range of one or both base stations1114,1120, for example.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, operation support system (OSS)1128may be part of broadband wireless access system1100to provide management functions for broadband wireless access system1100and to provide interfaces between functional entities of broadband wireless access system1100. Broadband wireless access system1100ofFIG. 11is merely one type of wireless network showing a certain number of the components of broadband wireless access system1100, and the scope of the claimed subject matter is not limited in these respects.

Some examples may be described using the expression “coupled”, “connected”, or “capable of being coupled” along with their derivatives. These terms are not necessarily intended as synonyms for each other. For example, descriptions using the terms “connected” and/or “coupled” may indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. The term “coupled,” however, may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still co-operate or interact with each other.

In some examples, first methods may include accessing, at a wireless device, a portal managed by a usage manager to establish an agreement with the usage manager for use of an application via a wireless wide area network (WWAN). The agreement may include policies associated with limits to data bandwidth utilized while the application is used via the WWAN. For these examples, access may be obtained to the WWAN through an operator of the WWAN to enable use of the application. Also for these examples, the application may be executed according to the agreement. The application may be provided by an application service provider having a service level agreement with the usage manager and/or the operator of the WWAN for providing the application to the wireless device via the WWAN.

According to some examples, the first methods may also include receiving billing information using the application according to the agreement and presenting the billing information on the wireless device.

In some examples, the first methods may also include receiving prepayment information for using the application according to the agreement and sending the prepayment information to the usage manager.

According to some examples, the first methods may also include receiving an indication that the prepaid usage of the application has been exceeded and obtaining additional payment information to pay for additional use of the application according to the agreement.

In some examples, the first methods may also include accessing the portal managed by the usage manager by accessing the portal through a browser application executed by the wireless device. For these examples, the browser application may be arranged to enable the viewing and/or modifying terms of the agreement to use the application. The browser may also enable viewing and/or paying a bill associated with using the application via the WWAN.

According to some examples, obtaining access to the WWAN through an operator of the WWAN to enable use of the application may include obtaining access by presenting credentials for authenticating the wireless device to the operator of the WWAN and/or presenting credentials to the usage manager for authenticating the wireless device for use of the application.

In some examples, the first methods may also include authenticating a user of the wireless device to the operator of the WWAN. Authenticating the user may include authenticating the user via a SIM at the wireless device that includes a USIM.

According to some examples, the first methods may also include presenting credentials to the usage manager via presenting credentials that include one or more of an X.509 certificate, a password, or a SIP digest.

In some examples, the first methods may also include the usage manager being a service provider to manage the agreement and maintain the service level agreement with the application service provider.

According to some examples, the first methods may also include the usage manager and the operator of the WWAN arranged as part of a same operating entity to manage the agreement, allow access to the WWAN and maintain the service level agreement with the application service provider.

In some examples, the first methods may also include the application as a social media application, an image sharing application, a video sharing application, a streaming audio application, a streaming video application, an electronic mail (e-mail) application, a financial information application, a stock market investor application, a sporting news application, a business news application, a general news application, a gaming application, a software as a service application or a cloud computing application.

According to some examples, at least one machine readable medium comprising a plurality of instructions that in response to being executed on a computing device cause the computing device to carry out the example first methods as mentioned above.

In some examples a communications device may be arranged to perform the example first methods as mentioned above.

In some examples an apparatus or device may include means for performing the example first methods as mentioned above.

In some examples, second methods may include establishing an agreement to enable use of an application via a WWAN. The agreement may include policies associated with limits to data bandwidth utilized while the application is accessed via the WWAN by a wireless device. For these examples, credentials may be received to authenticate the wireless device for use of the application. Also for these examples, policies included in the agreement may be enforced while the application is used. Use of the application via the WWAN may then be billed. Also for these examples, an SLA may be maintained with an application service provider that provides the application to the user via the WWAN.

According to some examples, the second methods may also include receiving additional credentials to authenticate the wireless device to allow access to the WWAN. For these examples, the additional credentials may be received from a SIM at the wireless device that includes a USIM.

In some examples, the second methods may also include an operator of the WWAN establishing the agreement, receiving the credentials to authenticate the wireless device to allow access to the WWAN, enforcing the policies included in the agreement, billing a user of the wireless device and maintaining the service level agreement with the application service provider.

In some examples, the second methods may also include a service provider establishing the agreement, receiving the credentials to authenticate the wireless device, enforcing the policies included in the agreement, billing a user of the wireless device and maintaining the service level agreement with the application service provider.

According to some examples, the second methods may also include receiving credentials to authenticate the wireless device for use of the application by receiving credentials that include one or more of an X.509 certificate, a password, or a session initiation protocol (SIP) digest.

According to some examples, the second methods may also include enforcing the policies by filtering data traffic associated with usage of the application such that data traffic not covered by the agreement is blocked or not allowed to be transmitted over at least a portion of the WWAN.

In some examples, the second methods may also include filtering data traffic to include at least one of causing data traffic associated with usage of the application to be filtered at the wireless device or to be filtered by an operator of the WWAN.

According to some examples, the second methods may also include filtering data traffic by causing data traffic associated with usage of the application to be filtered by a service provider that manages the agreement, authenticates the wireless device, bills a user of the wireless device and maintains the service level agreement with the application service provider.

In some examples, the second methods may also include filtering data traffic associated with usage of the application by filtering based on examination of a data packet header associated with usage of the application or by filtering based on deep packet inspection of a data packet associated with usage of the application.

According to some examples, the second methods may also include billing for use of the application via the WWAN by requiring a user of the wireless device to prepay for a given amount of usage of the application or indicating to the user an amount of tracked usage of the application and a charge for the amount of tracked usage of the application.

In some examples, the second methods may also include the service level agreement including sharing revenue with the application service provider for revenue generated by the wireless device's usage of the application.

According to some examples, the second methods may also include the application as a social media application, an image sharing application, a video sharing application, a streaming audio application, a streaming video application, an electronic mail (e-mail) application, a financial information application, a stock market investor application, a sporting news application, a business news application, a general news application, a gaming application, a software as a service application or a cloud computing application.

According to some examples, at least one machine readable medium comprising a plurality of instructions that in response to being executed on a computing device cause the computing device to carry out the example second methods as mentioned above.

In some examples a communications device may be arranged to perform the example second methods as mentioned above.

In some examples an apparatus or device may include means for performing the example second methods as mentioned above.

According to some examples, an example apparatus may include a processor circuit and a an agreement component arranged for execution by the processor circuit to access a portal managed by a usage manager to establish an agreement to use an application via a WWAN coupled to the wireless device. The agreement may include policies associated with limits to data bandwidth utilized while the application is used via the WWAN. The example apparatus may also include a credential component arranged for execution by the processor circuit to present credentials for authenticating the wireless device to an operator of the WWAN for access of the wireless device to the WWAN and/or present credentials to the usage manager for use of the application via the WWAN. The example apparatus may also include an application component arranged for execution by the processor circuit to execute at least portions of the application on the wireless device according to the agreement.

In some examples, the example first apparatus may also include a filter component arranged for execution by the processor circuit to enforce the policies included in the agreement while the application is being used. For these examples, enforcement may include allowing data traffic associated with usage of the application to be transmitted from the wireless device based on the policies included in the agreement.

According to some examples, the example first apparatus may also include a payment component arranged for execution by the processor circuit to receive billing information for using the application according to the agreement and presenting the billing information to a user of the wireless device. For these examples, the payment component may also be arranged to gather payment information from the user to enable the user to make a payment based on the billing information.

In some examples for the example first apparatus, the application may be provided by an application service provider having a service level agreement with the usage manager and/or the operator of the WWAN that includes terms for providing the application for use via the WWAN.

According to some examples for the example first apparatus, the agreement component may include a browser application to access the portal managed by the usage manager and enable a user of the wireless device to view and/or modify terms of the agreement.

In some examples for the example first apparatus, the credential component to include a USIM to present credentials for authenticating the wireless device to the operator of the WWAN.

According to some examples for the example first apparatus, the credential component also arranged to present credentials to the usage manager for use of the application via the WWAN by presenting credentials that include one or more of an X.509 certificate, a password, or a SIP digest.

In some examples for the example first apparatus, the application to include a social media application, an image sharing application, a video sharing application, a streaming audio application, a streaming video application, an electronic mail (e-mail) application, a financial information application, a stock market investor application, a sporting news application, a business news application, a general news application, a gaming application, a software as a service application or a cloud computing application.