Decoupling Service and Network Identification in Wireless Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in allowing user equipment (UE) to access network services across different networks, particularly in contexts where authentication is managed by third-party networks and unlicensed frequency spectrums, without relying on traditional home subscriber servers (HSS) or mobile network operators (MNOs.
Innovation Solution
The system decouples service identification information from network identification information, enabling UE to discover and access network services by determining network identifiers in broadcast messages, establishing connections, and querying for available services, while credential management is handled by an authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) server, allowing access to LTE or other wireless communication services across various networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional HSS and MNO authentication is used, then network security and authentication reliability are improved, but network access flexibility and adaptability to third-party networks are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the authentication system by separating the HSS (home subscriber server) functionality from the traditional MNO network infrastructure. This allows the HSS to be deployed on third-party networks, enabling UEs to access services across different network operators while maintaining secure authentication. The segmentation enables flexible network access without compromising authentication reliability.
2Device complexity
If service identification is coupled with network identification, then network management simplicity is improved, but service accessibility across different networks is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent decouples service identification from network identification, allowing services to be independently identified and accessed across different networks. This segmentation enables the HSS to provide services on third-party networks without being constrained by traditional network-bound service delivery, improving cross-network service accessibility while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized interfaces.
3Reliability
If UEs are restricted to home network access, then authentication security is improved, but network coverage and service availability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the HSS as an intermediary that can be deployed on third-party networks, acting as a secure bridge between UEs and their home networks. This intermediary enables UEs to access services on visited networks while maintaining authentication security through secure communication channels with the home HSS, thereby extending network coverage without compromising security.
4Extent of automation
If traditional network architecture is used, then network control and management are improved, but ability to utilize unlicensed spectrums and third-party networks is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the HSS universal by enabling it to operate on both home networks and third-party networks. This multi-functionality allows the HSS to maintain automated network control and management while adapting to diverse network environments including unlicensed spectrums and third-party infrastructures, thereby improving versatility without sacrificing control automation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Aspects described herein relate to detecting wireless network services. A network identifier can be determined in a broadcast message received from a network entity, and a connection with a network related to the network entity can be established based at least in part on the network identifier. Using the connection, the network entity can be queried for information related to services available at the network, where the information may indicate one or more subscription providers related to the services.