5GC-EPC Authentication Interworking for Seamless 5G Roaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
5G SA wireless communication networks face challenges in effectively communicating with LTE networks due to differences in signaling protocols, which impedes efficient roaming and user experience for devices transitioning between these networks.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a 5G visited wireless communication network with Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) and Fifth Generation Core/Evolved Packet Core Interworking Function (5EIWF) circuitry to translate 5GC authentication signaling into EPC authentication signaling, enabling seamless authentication and service provision for user devices roaming from LTE home networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If 5G SA networks use their native signaling protocols for authentication, then authentication efficiency and network performance are improved, but compatibility with LTE home networks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a signaling translation mechanism that acts as an intermediary between 5G SA and LTE networks. The translation function converts 5G authentication signaling protocols into LTE-compatible protocols, enabling seamless authentication of LTE devices on 5G networks without compromising the native 5G authentication efficiency or compatibility with LTE home networks
2Reliability
If 5G networks directly authenticate LTE devices using 5GC signaling, then network security is improved, but communication effectiveness with LTE networks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The signaling translation mechanism serves as a secure intermediary that maintains 5G security standards while enabling LTE compatibility. It translates 5GC authentication signaling into EPC authentication signaling that LTE networks can process, ensuring both security through 5G protocols and communication effectiveness through LTE-compatible signaling
3Adaptability or versatility
If signaling translation between 5GC and EPC is implemented, then interoperability between networks is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dedicated signaling translation function that centralizes the complexity of protocol conversion. This intermediary component handles all translations between 5GC and EPC authentication signaling, isolating the complexity from the rest of the network systems and enabling straightforward interoperability without requiring complex modifications across multiple network elements
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments comprise a Fifth Generation (5G) visited wireless communication network to interwork with a Long Term Evolution (LTE) home network. In some examples, the 5G visited wireless communication network comprises an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) and an Interworking Function (IWF). The AMF receives a service request from a 5G capable visiting user device. The AMF generates Fifth Generation Core (5GC) authentication signaling to authenticate the visiting user device. Prior to delivering the 5GC authentication signaling to the home network, the IWF translates the 5GC authentication signaling into Evolved Packet Core (EPC) authentication signaling and transfers the EPC authentication signaling to the home network. The IWF receives an EPC authentication response from the home network and translates the EPC authentication response into a 5GC authentication response. The AMF authenticates the visiting user device for service on the 5G visited wireless communication network based on the 5GC authentication response.