Cellular Network Access Control via Terminal-Subscription Binding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cellular communication networks face challenges in preventing unauthorized use of subscription tariffs, particularly in scenarios where a machine terminal's subscription is intended for specific intermachine communication conditions, which are different from mobile telephony conditions, and there is a risk of advantageous tariffs being used in unauthorized terminals.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an access control method that verifies the association between terminal and subscription identifiers in a database at each connection attempt, allowing access only if the terminal is authorized to use the subscription, with options for exact or prefix matching of terminal identifiers to ensure secure and flexible tariff usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a USIM card is made removable for easy installation, then ease of operation is improved, but security and control over tariff usage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a database as an intermediary between the USIM card and the network. This database stores association records linking terminal identifiers to subscription identifiers, acting as a mediator that verifies authorization before allowing network access. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining removable USIM cards while adding a verification layer that prevents unauthorized tariff usage.
2Reliability
If access control verification is performed at each connection attempt, then security of tariff usage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal access control mechanism that serves multiple functions: it verifies tariff authorization, prevents unauthorized terminal usage, and maintains subscription management. By consolidating these functions into a single database-based verification system, the patent improves security without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If terminal identifier matching is performed with prefix options, then adaptability to different terminal types is improved, but measurement precision of terminal identification deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic matching modes that can switch between exact matching and prefix matching based on operational requirements. The system can adapt its verification strictness dynamically - using exact matching when precision is critical and prefix matching when flexibility is needed. This resolves the contradiction by making the identification precision adjustable rather than fixed.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling access to a cellular communication network, for a terminal (MT) identified by a terminal identifier (IMEI) with a subscription identified by a subscription identifier (IMSI), characterized in that it comprises the following steps:creation in a database (DB), of at least one record comprising at least one subscription identifier with at least one terminal identifier,checking that said terminal (MT) together with said subscription are indeed authorized to use the cellular communication network, by verifying the presence in the database (DB) of at least one record comprising the subscription identifier (IMSI) of said subscription associated with the terminal identifier (IMIE) said verification being performed at the time of each attempt at connection of said terminal (MT) or of said subscription,authorization of access or refusal of access of said terminal (MT) to said network according to the result of the verification step.The invention also comprises a system and a computer program product to implement the method.