Cross-Network Mobile Device Identity Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radio access networks, such as cellular networks, struggle to recognize and manage mobile devices across different types of networks, like WiFi networks, which hinders services like emergency services and lost or stolen device tracking.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where a mobile device identifier is used across multiple radio access networks, with an Equipment Identity Register (EIR) providing an authentication indicator to control access, allowing network operators to manage device access consistently across various networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile device identifier is used only in cellular networks, then the cellular network can authenticate and manage devices effectively, but the device cannot be recognized or managed when accessing services through other networks like WiFi
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the mobile device identifier (such as IMEI) applicable across multiple network types including cellular and WiFi networks. The system enables a single identifier to function universally across different radio access networks, allowing consistent device recognition and management regardless of which network the device connects to. This resolves the contradiction by extending the identifier's适用范围 beyond its original cellular-only context.
2Reliability
If different identification systems are used for different networks, then each network can be optimized independently, but network operators cannot provide consistent services like emergency services or lost device tracking across multiple networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the authentication systems of different networks by having the Equipment Identity Register (EIR) store and provide authentication indicators for mobile device identifiers across multiple network types. Instead of maintaining separate identification systems, the system combines them into a unified approach where the same identifier and authentication mechanism serve both cellular and WiFi networks, ensuring consistent service delivery while reducing overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If WiFi networks use their own authentication methods, then WiFi network performance is optimized, but mobile devices cannot be recognized for purposes like emergency services or preventing unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the WiFi network can obtain authentication indicators from the Equipment Identity Register using the mobile device identifier. This intermediary approach allows WiFi networks to maintain their own authentication efficiency while still enabling device recognition through the cellular network's identifier system. The EIR acts as a mediator that bridges the two different network authentication systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A device may receive, from a mobile device and via a first radio access network, a request for a service. The device may receive a mobile device identifier that identifies the mobile device on a second radio access network. The second radio access network may be a different type of radio access network than the first radio access network. The device may provide the mobile device identifier to an equipment identity register. The device may receive, from the equipment identity register, an authentication indicator that indicates whether to permit or deny access to the service by the mobile device and via the first radio access network. The device may selectively permit or deny the mobile device access to the service, via the first radio access network, based on the authentication indicator.