Temporary Wireless Network Access via IMSI Lifetime Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operating a mobile wireless device outside its geographic subscription region can be challenging, often requiring high fees or setting up a new service with a local provider, which is inconvenient for users.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for temporarily allowing a wireless device to access a wireless network by storing international mobile subscriber identities (IMSIs) with associated lifetime access periods, authorizing access, and revoking it when the period expires, using a detection device or system that manages IMSIs and their access periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a user operates a mobile wireless device outside its geographic subscription region, then the user can access wireless services in foreign countries, but the user must pay high rates or set up new service accounts with local providers
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-provisions temporary access credentials (IMSIs) with defined lifetime periods before the user needs them. Users can purchase SIM cards with pre-configured access periods, and the network system has these credentials ready for immediate activation upon authentication, eliminating the need for on-site service setup
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temporary IMSI credentials as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the user's home network and foreign networks. These temporary identifiers act as mediators that allow the user to access foreign networks without establishing direct service accounts with local providers, simplifying the cross-border access process
2Adaptability or versatility
If temporary access credentials are provided to users, then users can access wireless networks temporarily, but the system must manage and revoke these credentials securely when access periods expire
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic self-service mechanisms where temporary IMSI credentials contain embedded expiration information, and the network system automatically detects and revokes these credentials when their lifetime periods expire. This automation eliminates the need for manual credential management and reduces operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual credential management processes with automated electronic systems. The network system uses electronic authentication and automatic revocation mechanisms instead of manual tracking and administrative processes, reducing system complexity through automation
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system stores and manages multiple IMSIs with different lifetime periods, then the system can provide flexible temporary access options, but the system must track and monitor expiration dates for each IMSI
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures each IMSI with its lifetime period information before the credential is activated. This preliminary provisioning allows the system to store compact expiration data alongside each IMSI, enabling flexible access periods without requiring complex real-time tracking calculations
Data Source
AI summary
Various arrangements for temporarily enabling the wireless device for use on a wireless network are presented. A computer system may store a plurality of international mobile subscriber identities (IMSIs) and, associated with each IMSI of the plurality of IMSIs, an indication of a period of time of a predefined length. An authentication request indicating an IMSI of the plurality of IMSIs may be received from a wireless device, wherein the wireless device has not previously been authenticated in association with the IMSI. The IMSI may be authenticated for use on the wireless network. After authorizing the IMSI for use on the wireless network device, the period of time of the predefined length associated with the IMSI may be determined to have expired. In response to determining the period of time of the predefined length associated with the IMSI has expired, the IMSI may be deauthorized for use on the wireless network.