Home Location Server for Roaming LBS Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Providing location-based services in broadband wireless access networks, such as WiMax and LTE, becomes complex when mobile stations are roaming, as location-based service requests need to be authenticated and user policies from the home service network must be applied, complicating the process.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a wireless communication network architecture that includes location agents, location controllers, and authentication, authorization, and accounting servers across access and core service networks, allowing for the determination and authentication of location information and application of user policies for roaming mobile stations, using protocols like Radius, Diameter, and UDP, and employing techniques like TDOA and GPS for location determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If location-based services are provided to roaming mobile stations, then service coverage and accessibility are improved, but system complexity increases due to authentication and policy application requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a home location server as an intermediary component that centralizes authentication and policy management functions. This server acts as a mediator between the visiting network and the subscriber, handling location-based service requests for roaming mobile stations. By concentrating these complex functions in a dedicated intermediary entity, the system achieves broader service coverage while managing complexity through centralized control rather than distributed implementation across multiple network elements.
2Reliability
If authentication and policy application processes are implemented for roaming subscribers, then service security and compliance are improved, but processing time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary authentication and policy application processes through the home location server before location-based services are fully activated for roaming subscribers. By performing these security checks and policy validations in advance, during the initial registration or service setup phase, the system ensures service security and compliance are established beforehand. This preliminary action prevents the need for repeated authentication processing during actual service delivery, thereby reducing processing time delays when services are actually requested.
3Reliability
If multiple network components are deployed for location determination and authentication, then service reliability is improved, but device complexity and deployment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the home location server with multi-functional capabilities, combining authentication, authorization, location determination, and policy management functions into a single universal platform. This multi-functional entity serves multiple purposes: it authenticates roaming subscribers, determines their location, applies appropriate policies, and manages service delivery. By consolidating these functions into one versatile component rather than requiring separate dedicated systems for each function, the patent achieves service reliability through comprehensive coverage while simplifying deployment compared to a fully distributed multi-component architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a wireless access network and method for providing a location based service (LBS) to a visiting mobile station are disclosed. In some embodiments, a location data request forwarded by a home location server (HLS) is received at a visited location server (VLS). A subscriber profile and security query is generated for forwarding from a visitor authentication server to a home authentication server. When the home authentication server authenticates the request, location information for the visiting mobile station is obtained and a location data response message that includes the location information from the VLS is sent to the HLS for forwarding to the location client for use by the location client in performing a requested LBS.