Federated OpenRoaming Onboarding Using PKI Trust and IdP Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanisms for onboarding user devices to the OpenRoaming™ framework are complex and lack a scalable solution, with many device vendors and operators unable to implement or maintain existing solutions like Passpoint Online Signup and captive portals, leading to inconsistent and tedious user experiences.
Innovation Solution
A federated onboarding service leveraging the existing PKI trust model of the OpenRoaming™ framework, allowing devices to automatically authenticate and provision user devices globally by using certificates and a centralized onboarding service, eliminating the need for individual network implementations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing onboarding mechanisms like Passpoint Online Signup and captive portals are used, then devices can be onboarded to the framework, but the complexity of implementation and maintenance increases for device vendors and operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a federated onboarding service as an intermediary component that mediates between devices and the OpenRoaming framework. This service handles the complex onboarding procedures centrally, allowing devices to connect without requiring vendors and operators to implement complex local solutions. The intermediary absorbs the complexity while providing simple device-side functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables devices to perform self-onboarding by automatically discovering and connecting to the federated onboarding service without manual intervention. Devices autonomously complete the onboarding process by presenting their credentials and receiving appropriate responses, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration by users or operators.
2Adaptability or versatility
If individual network implementations are used for onboarding, then specific network requirements can be met, but scalability and uniform user experience across global networks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal federated onboarding service that serves multiple networks and operators simultaneously. The service is designed to handle diverse onboarding scenarios across different networks while maintaining a consistent, scalable architecture. This universal approach enables uniform user experience across global networks without sacrificing network-specific customization capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the onboarding process into distinct functional components: device authentication, network discovery, and connection establishment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall scalability. The modular architecture enables the system to handle multiple networks simultaneously without requiring complete redesign.
3Reliability
If complex onboarding procedures are implemented, then comprehensive security and configuration can be achieved, but user experience becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service onboarding where devices automatically perform security authentication and configuration without user intervention. The device autonomously presents credentials, receives authentication responses, and completes connection setup, transforming a tedious manual process into an automatic background operation that maintains comprehensive security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs critical security actions in advance by pre-establishing trust relationships and authentication mechanisms before the actual connection occurs. The federated onboarding service handles security verification beforehand, allowing the actual device connection to be a simple, quick operation without compromising security assurance.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes systems, methods, and devices related to a mechanism to enable a federated onboarding service in an OpenRoaming™ framework. A device may receive a prompt to initiate onboarding of the device to a framework. The device may the initiate a federated onboarding service process at an access network provider (ANP) that is connected to the device, wherein the federated onboarding service process is configured to onboard the device to the framework. The device may further receive a list of available identity providers (IdPs) configured for the framework and receive a selection of an IdP of the list of available IdPs. The device may then establish a connection between the IdP and the device. The device may receive an IdP-generated user-specific profile, and the device may connect to the framework using the user-specific profile.