MMS Authentication Over IP Networks Using Cached Access Records
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems face challenges in authenticating multimedia messaging services (MMS) over networks other than cellular networks, leading to network overload and high costs, especially when cellular networks are unavailable or costly.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for authenticating MMS services over IP networks, involving the receipt of access identifier records, extraction and storage of data, network IP authentication, client IP authentication, and correspondence between valid IP addresses and mobile directory numbers to enable MMS authentication on IP networks like Wi-Fi and LTE.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If MMS messages are sent and received only over cellular networks, then service reliability is maintained, but network overload occurs and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the MMS service delivery by introducing multiple authentication pathways: cellular network authentication and IP network authentication. This allows MMS traffic to be divided and routed through different networks based on availability and cost considerations, reducing the burden on cellular networks while maintaining service reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal authentication mechanism that works across both cellular networks and IP networks (such as Wi-Fi). The MMSC can authenticate users through either cellular IMSI/IMEI or IP-based credentials, enabling MMS service to function reliably regardless of which network type is being used, thus distributing network load effectively.
2Loss of energy
If MMS services are offloaded to IP networks, then network cost is reduced, but authentication capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication layer between the user device and the MMSC when operating over IP networks. The system uses RADIUS authentication protocols and intermediary servers to verify user credentials (such as username/password or certificates) before allowing MMS access, thereby restoring authentication capability that would otherwise be unavailable on unauthenticated IP networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the authentication parameters from cellular-specific identifiers (IMSI, IMEI) to IP-network-compatible credentials (username, password, certificates, IP addresses). This parameter transformation enables authentication to occur over IP networks using familiar internet authentication mechanisms, reducing cost while maintaining security and reliability.
3Reliability
If cellular network authentication is used, then service security is ensured, but network availability decreases when cellular network is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic authentication selection where the MMSC can switch between cellular authentication and IP authentication modes based on network availability. When cellular network is unavailable, the system dynamically transitions to IP-based authentication, maintaining service security while adapting to changing network conditions and ensuring continuous availability.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for multimedia messaging service (MMS) authentication over IP networks are disclosed. An access identifier records message corresponding to a user by a multimedia messaging service center (MMSC) forwarded by a server is received. Data from the access identifier records message including a mobile directory number, a framed IP address, access network information and a session ID is extracted and stored in a cache accessible to the MMSC. Network IP authentication is executed to determine that the user has a valid IP address. Client IP authentication of the user is executed to determine that the valid IP address is stored in the cache. A correspondence between the valid IP address and a mobile directory number of the user is determined. The user is authenticated for MMS over the IP network based on the correspondence.