LTE Blockchain Identity Integration via Digital Certificate

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of access authentication processes between LTE and blockchain networks is challenging due to differences in their communication protocols, which hinders seamless switching and cross-network-domain communication.

Innovation Solution

An authentication method and system that involves an identity management entity in the LTE network generating a digital certificate for terminal equipment, which is then verified and used to allocate a blockchain identity by an identity proxy entity, enabling the equipment to access the blockchain network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If separate authentication processes are used for LTE and blockchain networks, then each network can maintain its own security standards, but network switching becomes slow and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork switching speedVSAvoidauthentication process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the authentication processes of LTE and blockchain networks into a unified flow. The identity management entity in the LTE network generates a digital certificate that is directly usable for blockchain network authentication, combining what were previously separate authentication sequences into one integrated process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The digital certificate generated by the LTE network's identity management entity serves multiple functions: it authenticates the terminal in the LTE network and simultaneously serves as the authentication credential for accessing the blockchain network, eliminating the need for separate authentication mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If protocol conversion is implemented between LTE and blockchain networks, then cross-network communication becomes possible, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecross-network communication capabilityVSAvoidprotocol integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an identity proxy entity as an intermediary between the LTE network and blockchain network. This intermediary receives the digital certificate from the LTE network, verifies its validity, and translates it into the appropriate format for blockchain network authentication, simplifying the protocol conversion process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The authentication system is segmented into distinct functional entities: the identity management entity in the LTE network, the identity proxy entity for translation, and the blockchain network. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific protocol requirements independently while maintaining overall system integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If a unified identity management system is implemented, then network switching becomes seamless, but traceability and verification requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseamless network switchingVSAvoididentity verification complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the identity proxy entity verifies the digital certificate's validity by checking it against the blockchain network's requirements, and provides confirmation back to the terminal equipment. This feedback loop ensures traceability and verification while maintaining seamless switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3771244B1Authentication method, related equipment, and system
Publication Date: 2022.08.10 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3771244B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3771244B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3771244B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention disclose an authentication method, and a related device and system. The method is applied to an identity management entity, and the identity management entity is deployed in a core network control plane of an LTE network. The method includes: receiving a certificate request message from terminal equipment; generating a digital certificate for the terminal equipment; and sending an identity request message carrying the digital certificate to an identity proxy entity, where the identity proxy entity is deployed in a blockchain network, and the identity request message is used to obtain a blockchain identity for the terminal equipment. By implementing the embodiments of the present invention, access authentication processes of the LTE network and the blockchain network can be integrated.