Cellular-WLAN Interoperability via Unified Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cellular networks, such as GSM and GPRS, and WLANs like Wi-Fi, often require separate subscriptions and infrastructure, limiting seamless access and charging options for mobile terminals, especially when switching between cellular and WLAN networks.
Innovation Solution
Establishing a relationship between a mobile terminal, cellular network, and WLAN, allowing the mobile terminal to access the WLAN as a subscriber of the cellular network, through identification, authorization, and billing processes, enabling seamless switching and charging mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate subscriptions and infrastructure are used for cellular networks and WLANs, then each network can be independently managed and operated, but mobile terminals face limited seamless access and increased cost complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges cellular network and WLAN access by allowing WLAN access points to authenticate cellular subscribers directly through the cellular network's authentication infrastructure. This integration enables seamless access for mobile terminals across both networks using a single subscription, eliminating the need for separate WLAN subscriptions and simplifying management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cellular network's authentication system is extended to serve dual purposes: authenticating cellular users and granting them access to WLAN networks. This multi-functionality allows the same authentication mechanism to handle both cellular service verification and WLAN access control, enhancing adaptability while reducing complexity.
2Reliability
If cellular networks use powerful base stations to communicate with mobile terminals, then communication coverage and reliability are improved, but the cost of mobile communication increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces WLAN access points as intermediary infrastructure between mobile terminals and the cellular network core. WLAN access points provide local wireless coverage using lower-power equipment compared to cellular base stations, reducing the energy consumption and cost associated with maintaining comprehensive cellular coverage while preserving communication reliability through seamless handoff capabilities.
3Reliability
If WLANs require separate access codes and subscriptions, then network security and operator control are maintained, but the number of available service locations decreases and network utilization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cellular network's subscriber authentication system is extended to provide universal access control for both cellular and WLAN networks. Cellular subscribers can access authorized WLAN locations without separate WLAN subscriptions, expanding service availability while maintaining security through the existing cellular network's authentication and authorization mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where the cellular network continuously monitors and controls WLAN access based on subscriber status, authorization levels, and network conditions. This allows dynamic adjustment of access rights while maintaining security, enabling more service locations to be accessible without compromising network protection.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and corresponding apparatus for providing a cellular subscriber with access to a WLAN are provided. They involve identifying a multimode mobile terminal, which corresponds to the subscriber and the WLAN from an access request. Based on the identification, the WLAN is authorized to provide the mobile terminal with access. The mobile terminal is then provided with access to the WLAN as a cellular subscriber and enables interoperability between the two networks. For example, the subscriber does not have to supply a credit card to pay for WLAN access directly. Instead, the subscriber pays a cellular network provider, and, in turn, the cellular network provider pays a WLAN provider for the access.