Beacon-Based Mobile Network Access Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for restricting access to mobile communications networks within specific locations are not well-defined, often extending restrictions to areas where mobile communication device usage is not necessary.
Innovation Solution
A system using low-power beacon signal transmitters to transmit signals that mobile communication devices measure, with an access control entity analyzing this data to determine access to the network, allowing for precise definition of restricted areas and deployment around or within these areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Managed Access Systems use allowed/restricted lists based on IMSI, then access control functionality is provided, but the restricted location is not well-defined and restrictions extend to areas where mobile communication device usage need not be restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces beacon transmitters as intermediary devices that define the restricted location through their spatial distribution. These beacons serve as mediators between the access control entity and the mobile communication device, providing precise location information without requiring complex system infrastructure. The beacons create a measurable signal environment that precisely delineates the restricted area boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional IMSI-based logical access control system with a physics-based signal measurement system. Instead of relying on database lookups and authentication protocols, the system uses radio signal strength measurements from distributed beacons to determine device location and enforce access control, substituting mechanical/list-based methods with electromagnetic field-based positioning.
2Measurement precision
If beacon signal transmitters are deployed throughout the restricted area, then precise location control is achieved, but the number of transmitters and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by deploying beacons only at strategic locations such as perimeter points or areas requiring enhanced control, rather than uniformly throughout the entire restricted area. The access control entity uses measurement data from these partial beacon deployments to make informed access decisions, achieving sufficient precision without requiring complete spatial coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the restricted area into zones based on beacon deployment patterns, with different levels of measurement precision required in different regions. High-security perimeter areas may have denser beacon placement while interior areas use fewer beacons, allowing the system to allocate transmitter resources efficiently according to security requirements.
3Reliability
If beacon signal transmitters require networking and time-synchronization, then signal coordination is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon transmitters are designed to operate independently without requiring external networking or time-synchronization infrastructure. Each beacon autonomously transmits its signal and provides its identifier, allowing mobile devices to measure and identify individual beacons without coordinated timing. This self-service approach simplifies installation and maintenance while maintaining sufficient reliability for access control purposes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise control over access to mobile communications networks by determining device location based on beacon signal measurements, ensuring access is restricted only where necessary, with simple and inexpensive beacon transmitters that do not require synchronization or networking.
Implementation Method 1
at least one transmitter operable to transmit a beacon signal for reception by mobile communication devices within the restricted area
Data Source
AI summary
There is described a system for restricting access to a mobile communications network for mobile communication devices within a restricted area. The system includes at least one transmitter operable to transmit a beacon signal for reception by mobile communication devices within the restricted area and an access control entity, communicable with the mobile communication device via a base station. The access control entity instructs a mobile communication device to perform at least one measurement of the beacon signal from each transmitter and then to provide measurement data corresponding to the performed measurement to the access control entity. The access control entity then analyses the measurement data provided by the mobile communication device and based on that analysis decides whether or not to provide the mobile communication device with access to a service of the mobile communications network.