Network Cloud Service Decoupling User Authentication from Device Hardware
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cellular authentication methods tie a user to a specific device via a subscriber identity module, preventing other users from accessing the device without incurring charges to the owner, as the authentication of the device and user are intertwined.
Innovation Solution
The method involves moving cellular communication services to a network cloud, allowing any user to access their subscription plan on any device by authenticating through a network cloud service, where the user's subscription plan follows them, decoupling the device from user authentication, and enabling seamless access across different devices without requiring hardware changes or reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a subscriber identity module is used to authenticate a device to a network, then device authentication is achieved, but the user is tied to a particular device and cannot access services on other devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the authentication system into two independent components: device authentication (verifying the device itself) and user authentication (verifying the user's identity). This is achieved by introducing a separate user credential system that operates independently from the device's subscriber identity module, allowing the user to be authenticated on any device while maintaining secure device-specific authentication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication mechanism that mediates between the device and the network. Instead of directly tying user identity to the device's subscriber identity module, the system uses a separate user credential verification process that acts as an intermediary layer, enabling users to access services on multiple devices while maintaining secure authentication.
2Reliability
If a device is associated with an owner via subscriber identification module, then ownership is established, but other users cannot use the device without incurring charges to the owner
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the access control system into device ownership verification (handled by the subscriber identity module) and user service authorization (handled by the separate user credential system). This allows the device owner to maintain control over their device while enabling authorized users to access services on that device without incurring charges to the owner, as the service authorization is tied to the user's own credentials rather than the device's ownership.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal user credential system that can be used across multiple devices and networks. Instead of limiting service access to a single device-owner pairing, the system allows any authenticated user to access services on any device that permits their credentials, making the system universally applicable across different devices and users while maintaining proper charge attribution to the correct user accounts.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, non-transitory computer readable medium and apparatus for providing a cellular communication service for any device via a communications network are disclosed. For example, the method receives a log-in request of a user from a device, if the log-in request is authenticated, synchronizes the device with a configuration associated with the user and provides the cellular communication service via a subscription plan subscribed to by the user.