Common Authentication Repository for Seamless Network Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current authentication systems require separate authentication processes for mobile devices when transitioning between different communication networks, such as from a 3G or LTE network to a Wi-Fi network, leading to increased network traffic and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A common authentication system that stores credentials within a first network and automatically pushes them to a repository, allowing access to multiple subscribed services without further authentication when the device moves to a second network, using a Common Authentication Repository (CAR) to facilitate seamless access across networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate authentication processes are performed for each network transition, then network security is maintained, but network traffic increases and user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs authentication in advance when a device first connects to a network, stores the credentials in a repository, and reuses them for subsequent network transitions. This preliminary authentication action eliminates the need for repeated authentication processes, reducing network traffic while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal authentication credential that works across multiple communication networks (3G, LTE, Wi-Fi). Instead of requiring separate authentication for each network type, a single authentication process provides universal access, reducing overall network traffic and improving user convenience.
2Reliability
If separate authentication processes are performed for each network transition, then network security is maintained, but user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs authentication in advance and stores credentials for future use. When users transition between networks, the pre-stored credentials are automatically reused, eliminating the need for users to undergo repeated authentication processes and significantly improving convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages authentication credentials without requiring user intervention. When a device moves between networks, the authentication process is handled automatically by the system using pre-stored credentials, freeing users from manual authentication tasks.
3Speed
If authentication credentials are stored and pushed to a repository, then access speed improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Common Authentication Repository as an intermediary component that stores and manages authentication credentials. This centralized repository simplifies the overall system architecture by providing a single point for credential storage and retrieval, making the system more manageable despite the added functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The Common Authentication Repository serves multiple functions: storing credentials, managing authentication state, and supporting multiple network types. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate authentication mechanisms for each network, actually reducing overall system complexity while improving access speed.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, determining a credential of a first subscribed service, responsive to authentication of a user device within a first communication network. Authentication of the user with respect to the first service is facilitated and, in response, a second subscribed service is identified. A notification is provided to an access control function that the user device is granted access to the second subscribed service. The credential is stored in a common authentication repository accessible by the first and second subscribed services. An inquiry from a second communication network is determined in response to the user device requesting authentication there. A second notification is provided to the second communication network that the user device has already been authenticated, allowing the user device to access the services without further authentication. Other embodiments are disclosed.