Inter-Operator Blockchain Network for IoT Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile radio networks face high latency issues, particularly when accessing networks operated by other mobile network operators (MNOs) for Internet of Things (IoT) communications, which complicates quick and secure authorization and authentication processes.
Innovation Solution
An inter-operator blockchain network (IOBN) is established, allowing each node to have a local database for SIM card information, enabling decentralized authentication and authorization within the network, reducing routing times and simplifying management by using blockchain technology for secure, robust, and fast network connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If SIM card information is stored in a central database of each MNO, then security and centralized control are improved, but routing times increase and latency is high when accessing other MNO networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized SIM card information storage into distributed blockchain nodes across multiple MNOs. Each node in the IOBN maintains a copy of the blockchain ledger containing SIM card information, eliminating the need to route authentication requests to a single central database. This segmentation reduces routing time while maintaining security through cryptographic verification at each node.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional approach by implementing IOBN nodes at edge locations within the mobile network infrastructure. This spatial distribution across multiple dimensions (central infrastructure and edge locations) allows authentication to occur locally at the nearest edge location with an IOBN node, significantly reducing routing distance and time while maintaining the security benefits of centralized control.
2Loss of time
If distributed blockchain nodes are deployed at edge locations, then routing times are reduced and latency decreases, but network complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes IOBN nodes universal by enabling them to perform multiple functions: storing SIM card information in the blockchain, authenticating devices, authorizing network access, and routing data packets. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby managing network complexity while achieving low-latency authentication at edge locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces IOBN nodes as intermediary elements between devices and the core network infrastructure. These intermediary nodes handle authentication and authorization locally, reducing the need for direct communication with central databases and simplifying the overall network architecture while maintaining low latency.
3Productivity
If authentication is performed at the nearest IOBN node, then authorization speed is improved, but requires decentralized database synchronization across nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical database synchronization mechanisms with blockchain technology. The immutable blockchain ledger provides a synchronized, consistent view of SIM card information across all IOBN nodes without requiring complex real-time synchronization protocols. Each node independently verifies authentication requests against the blockchain, achieving fast authorization without database synchronization complexity.
4Ease of operation
If centralized MNO databases are used for AAA, then management is simplified, but cross-operator authentication becomes complex and slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the authentication capabilities of multiple MNOs into a unified IOBN. By combining SIM card information from multiple operators into a single distributed blockchain ledger accessible to all IOBN nodes, the system simplifies cross-operator authentication while maintaining the management simplicity of centralized control through the unified blockchain structure.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
Method for setting up and operating a dedicated network in a mobile network based on an Inter-Operator Blockchain Network (IOBN) that has at least two IOBN nodes.