IP Edge Port Abstraction for CPE Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Establishing and configuring an IP network connection between Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) and a telecommunications network with heterogeneous infrastructure is challenging, as it requires customer-specific data like usernames and passwords, and existing solutions depend heavily on access network operators, leading to logistical and cost issues.
Innovation Solution
A method using a combination of first and second identification information, where the first identification information includes CPE identifiers like PPP credentials or DHCP unique identifiers, and the second identification information is related to the IP Edge port, allowing for network access and configuration without relying on customer-specific data, using a network identity provider function and AAA control function to manage authentication and authorization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If line-based authentication is used for IP session establishment, then authentication capability is improved, but network migration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the authentication data (username, password, contract information) from the CPE device and stores it exclusively in the network's AAA server. The CPE is left with only a generic identification mechanism, while the network side maintains all authentication credentials. This extraction eliminates the need for complex network migrations as CPE configurations remain simple and portable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a message broker as an intermediary component that receives authentication requests from CPEs, forwards them to the AAA server, and relays responses back. This intermediary simplifies the communication architecture by providing a standardized interface between CPEs and the network, reducing the complexity of direct point-to-point authentication mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If customer-specific data is stored in CPE for authentication, then authentication accuracy is improved, but security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts sensitive customer-specific authentication data from the CPE device and stores it solely in the network's AAA server. The CPE retains only a minimal identification mechanism that does not contain actual credentials. This extraction eliminates security risks associated with storing customer data in customer premises equipment while maintaining accurate authentication through centralized credential management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If heterogeneous network infrastructure is supported, then network compatibility is improved, but configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal authentication mechanism using standardized protocols (RADIUS, Diameter, SIP) that can operate across heterogeneous network infrastructures. The AAA server is designed to handle multiple authentication methods and network types through a unified interface, allowing the same authentication framework to work across different network technologies without requiring technology-specific configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The message broker serves as a universal intermediary that standardizes communication between diverse CPE devices and the network infrastructure. It provides a common protocol interface that abstracts the underlying network heterogeneity, allowing CPEs to authenticate through a standardized mechanism regardless of the specific network technology being used.
4Manufacturing precision
If manual CPE configuration is required, then configuration precision is improved, but setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables CPE devices to perform self-configuration by automatically establishing communication with the AAA server through standardized protocols. The CPE autonomously initiates authentication requests, receives configuration parameters from the network, and configures itself without manual intervention. This self-service mechanism maintains configuration precision through standardized protocols while eliminating manual setup time.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for establishing and/or configuring an Internet Protocol network connection between a Customer Premises Equipment and a telecommunications network, the telecommunications network comprising an access network and a core network, wherein an Internet Protocol Edge node is associated to the access network and to the core network, the method comprising the steps of: -- transmitting a request message from the Customer Premises Equipment via the access network and via a port of the Internet Protocol Edge node to the telecommunications network, wherein an Internet Protocol address for realizing an Internet Protocol session or connection between the Customer Premises Equipment and the telecommunications network is requested with the request message, wherein first identification information is provided by the Customer Premises Equipment to the request message, -- appending, by the Internet Protocol Edge node, second identification information to the request message, wherein the second identification information is interface identification information being related to the port associated with the request message, -- the telecommunications network providing the Internet Protocol address to the Customer Premises Equipment for realizing the Internet Protocol session or connection, -- comparing, by the telecommunications network, the first identification information associated with the request message with the second identification information associated with the request message, -- assigning, to the Internet Protocol address, a first or a second functionality level depending on the comparison of the first identification information with the second identification information.