Telecommunications Network CPE Authentication via Intermediary Mediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telecommunications systems face inefficiencies and security concerns in connecting customer premises equipment (CPE) to networks, including time-consuming configuration processes and insecure authentication methods, leading to logistical challenges and delayed service activation.
Innovation Solution
A method that establishes a physical communication channel between a telecommunications network access node and CPE, using trusted authentication information within the network to initiate a logical communication channel, allowing for rapid and secure connection establishment without pre-configured credentials, and enabling flexible service usage with minimal delay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pre-configured credentials are distributed to CPE units, then authentication can be established, but security is compromised due to distribution in untrusted environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication mechanism where the network side system (access node or authentication server) acts as a mediator between the CPE and the authentication credentials. Instead of embedding credentials in the CPE, the system uses temporary or dynamic authentication information that is provided by the network, eliminating the need for insecure credential distribution to customer devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the authentication credentials from the CPE (customer premises equipment) and places them in the network side system. This extraction eliminates the security vulnerability of storing credentials in untrusted customer environments while maintaining the authentication function.
2Reliability
If polling systems are used for network access management, then connection control is achieved, but service activation time is increased due to defined time periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary configuration of access nodes and pre-establishment of authentication mechanisms, allowing CPE units to be quickly connected to the network without waiting for polling cycles. The access nodes are pre-configured with authentication capabilities, enabling immediate service activation when a customer connects their device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous network access by eliminating the polling system's periodic interruptions. The authentication and connection management operate continuously without defined time periods, allowing immediate service activation and continuous operation without waiting for scheduled polling intervals.
3Ease of operation
If session assigned IP addresses are used, then network connectivity is established, but permanent connectivity is not achieved requiring reconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic authentication and IP address assignment mechanisms that adapt to connection requirements. The system can dynamically establish permanent connections by binding authentication information to specific physical or logical access points, allowing the network to remember and maintain connections across restarts or reconnections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service connection persistence where the CPE automatically re-establishes connections using stored authentication information or automatic reauthentication mechanisms. The system maintains connection state and automatically restores service without requiring manual reconfiguration or re-subscription.
4Reliability
If user credentials are manually configured, then authentication is achieved, but operational complexity increases and plug-and-play is not enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service authentication where CPE units automatically perform authentication without manual user configuration. The system uses automatic credential provision, temporary authentication tokens, or pre-shared keys that are automatically exchanged between the CPE and network, eliminating the need for users to manually configure credentials while maintaining secure authentication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication mechanism where the network side system automatically handles credential exchange and authentication. Instead of requiring users to manually configure credentials, the system uses an intermediary authentication protocol that automatically establishes secure connections, enabling true plug-and-play operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for efficient connection between a telecommunications network and a Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) via an access node includes: establishing a physical communication channel between the access node of the telecommunications network and the CPE; providing, by the telecommunications network, a public or private Internet Protocol address to the CPE for use by the CPE to communicate with an Internet Protocol Edge node of the telecommunications network; initially assigning, by the telecommunications network, a first functionality level to the public or private Internet Protocol address; and assigning, by the telecommunications network, a second functionality level to the public or private Internet Protocol address when the telecommunications network is able to federate the network access related identification information to a contract related identification information.