AAA Server Dual Network Authorization Signaling Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for network integrated Wi-Fi face challenges in managing authorization for wireless devices that simultaneously access multiple radio access technologies, leading to increased signaling and potential service disruptions when switching between networks.
Innovation Solution
An AAA server method that retrieves information on the current SGSN serving the wireless device and indicates it as a new SGSN to the HLR, preventing cancel location messages and reducing signaling in the communications network, allowing HLR to function as an authorization database while supporting dual connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the HLR is used as the authorization database for Wi-Fi access, then authorization management is simplified and no second database is needed, but the wireless device cannot simultaneously access multiple radio access technologies due to location update conflicts
Solution Approach 1:
The solution segments the location update process by introducing a flag parameter that distinguishes between regular location updates and authorization-induced updates. This allows the system to handle different update scenarios differently, enabling dual connectivity while maintaining HLR as the single authorization database.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter set of location update messages by adding a specific flag or parameter indicator. This parameter change allows the HLR to differentiate between location updates that should trigger SGSN cancellation and those that should not, thereby enabling simultaneous access to multiple radio access technologies.
2Ease of operation
If the HLR sends cancel location messages when authorization is retrieved, then the authorization process is straightforward, but signaling is increased and service continuity is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The solution applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the location update message with a specific parameter or flag that indicates the authorization context. This preliminary marking prevents the HLR from sending cancel location messages inappropriately, reducing unnecessary signaling while maintaining proper authorization handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements feedback by modifying the HLR's behavior based on the parameter received in the location update message. When the specific parameter is detected, the HLR withholds cancel location messages, creating a feedback loop that adapts the authorization process to the dual connectivity scenario and reduces signaling overhead.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the wireless device authenticates through EAP-SIM or EAP-AKA to the same network entities, then seamless Wi-Fi and EPC access is achieved, but the HLR cannot support simultaneous authorization for multiple networks
Solution Approach 1:
The solution introduces dynamics by making the HLR's response to location updates conditional based on the received parameter. The system dynamically adjusts whether to send cancel location messages based on the authorization context, allowing the same HLR to support both single-network and dual-connectivity scenarios reliably.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes the HLR multi-functional by enabling it to handle both traditional single-network authorization and dual-connectivity authorization through the same interface and database structure. The added parameter allows the HLR to universally serve multiple authorization scenarios without requiring separate systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
The embodiments herein relate to a method in an AAA server (103) for enabling authorization of a wireless device (101) to access a first network (100a) while simultaneously accessing a second network (100b). The AAA server (103) retrieves information identifying a current SGSN (108)currently serving the wireless device (101) in the second network (100b). When the AAA server (103) retrieves authorization information for the wireless device (101) access to the first network (100a) from a HLR (105), the AAA server (103) indicates the current SGSN (108) as a new SGSN to the HLR (105). The indication is to be interpreted by the HLR (105) as an update of location information or a refresh procedure from the current SGSN (108).