Use Case: Over-the-Air (OTA) Provisioning for WiMAX

Opportunity

With over-the-air provisioning, Service Providers can reduce WiMAX service introduction costs and enable immediate subscriber access to new networks.

Many new WiMAX-enabled devices are being rolled out that may not have been provided by the Service Provider. As a result, Service Providers are looking for a scalable approach to identify, register, track, and update the wide array of devices that will be connected to WiMAX networks. Users expect devices to be immediately provisioned, and Service Providers need to be able to deliver new services, improved security, and other updates to all users as soon as they are launched.

Challenges

• Connect new users to the network quickly and efficiently.
• Ensure that users are offered the latest services.
• Maximize customer satisfaction and revenue generation.

Potential Impact

• Lost revenue.
• Increased churn.

Solution: OTA Provisioning

The Bridgewater Systems™ Policy Controller enables WiMAX operators to recognize subscribers and devices as they access the network and provision their devices over the air. It delivers a core service control capability for open access business models and supports centralized device and subscriber management with carrier-grade scalability and performance. This allows Service Providers to offer new users additional upgrade services, including service boosts and application subscription.

Solution Benefits

Reduce OpEx	Automatically get new users on the network without customer service intervention. Automatically update firmware on devices to offer the latest patches and applications.
Increase revenue	Connect users to the network easier and faster, speeding revenue generation.
Increase customer satisfaction	Users can enjoy their new WiMAX devices with a minimum of hassle. Offer latest applications to users.

The Bridgewater Systems Advantage

• Centralized device and subscriber management with a carrier-grade pedigree.
• Open Mobile Alliance-Device Manager (OMA-DM) standards-compliant solution.
• Dynamic metering enabling flexible duration-based or time-windowed service options.
• Subscriber data management and subscriber context information.
• Usage tracking and targeted services for each user.
• Subscriber redirection capability for lower service costs and better usability.

How the Solution Works

1. A subscriber purchases a WiMAX-compliant device at a retail outlet.
2. The subscriber activates the device.
3. The Bridgewater Systems AAA Service Controller redirects the subscriber to an online portal.
4. The subscriber provides billing information.
5. The subscriber chooses between a monthly service and a casual access package.
6. The subscriber’s record is updated in the database/billing systems.
7. The Bridgewater Systems Policy Controller notifies the OMA-DM server of the new device and its corresponding IP address.
8. The OMA-DM updates the device.
9. The subscriber connects to the network.

In the Network

Over-the-Air Provisioning for WiMAX (click to enlarge)

Solution Components

• AAA Service Controller
• Policy Controller
• OMA-DM Server (Integration Support: MFormation Technologies Inc)