Authentication Serving Gateway for Heterogeneous Network Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless local area networks (WLANs) cannot enable terminals to access multiple data networks due to limitations in spectrum resources and protocol compatibility.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow WLAN terminals to access multiple data networks by receiving access requests, determining the target network, converting the request to match the target network's transmission protocol, and sending the converted request, thereby facilitating authentication and authentication result management through an authentication serving gateway and portal/policy server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If WLAN is used to access data networks, then coverage cost is reduced and multiple terminals can be supported, but terminals can only access a single data network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an authentication serving gateway as an intermediary component between the WLAN and multiple data networks. This gateway receives access requests from WLAN terminals, determines the target network, converts the access request to match the target network's transmission protocol format, and forwards it to the appropriate data network. This intermediary architecture enables single-point access to multiple networks without requiring terminal modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication serving gateway is designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle different data networks through a single interface. It can determine target networks based on access requests, convert various transmission protocols, and manage authentication across heterogeneous networks. This universal design allows the same gateway infrastructure to support multiple data networks simultaneously.
2Quantity of substance
If high frequency bands are used for wireless communication, then spectrum resources are utilized, but indoor coverage becomes poor
Solution Approach 1:
The WLAN acts as an intermediary access layer that terminals use to connect to multiple data networks. This architecture allows terminals to access high-frequency wireless networks while the WLAN infrastructure handles the complexity of network conversion and authentication, indirectly solving the coverage issue by providing a unified access point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimensional layer to the network architecture by introducing the authentication serving gateway and portal/policy server. This additional layer handles protocol conversion and network management, allowing the system to overcome the limitations of high-frequency bands by managing network access at a higher architectural level rather than at the physical transmission level.
3Adaptability or versatility
If protocol conversion is implemented at the terminal, then multiple networks can be accessed, but terminal complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication serving gateway serves as an intermediary that performs protocol conversion on behalf of terminals. Instead of requiring terminals to implement complex protocol conversion capabilities, the gateway receives standard WLAN access requests, converts them to the appropriate target network protocols, and forwards them. This shifts the complexity from the terminal to the network infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables terminals to access multiple networks through self-service authentication mechanisms. The portal/policy server provides authentication pages and manages credentials, allowing terminals to automatically authenticate across different networks without requiring complex terminal-side protocol handling or manual configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus for accessing heterogeneous networks via a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) are disclosed. The method includes receiving an access request from a WLAN terminal or a portal/policy server; determining a target network that the terminal needs to access according to the access request; converting the access request according to the format of a target network transmission protocol; sending the converted access request to the target network; and receiving an authentication result from the target network, and sending the authentication result to the terminal.