Network Authentication Selection for Multi-Network Terminals

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge of implementing network authentication for a terminal accessing multiple serving networks through different access types in a wireless communication system is not adequately addressed by current technologies.

Innovation Solution

An authentication method and apparatus that determine a network function to trigger the authentication procedure based on registration information, connection status, and operator policy, enabling the selection of an appropriate access type and network path for authentication, thereby enhancing network security and maintaining service quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the terminal performs multiple registrations in different serving networks, then the terminal can access multiple serving networks through different access types, but the network authentication procedure becomes complex and uncertain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterminal access capabilityVSAvoidauthentication procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the authentication procedure by selecting a specific fourth network function (AMF or AUSF) from multiple possible network functions based on the terminal's registration status in different serving networks. This segmentation allows the complex multi-network authentication to be broken down into a standardized single-network authentication flow, resolving the complexity while maintaining multi-network access capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a selection mechanism that acts as an intermediary to determine which network function should trigger the authentication procedure. This intermediary logic (based on registration information, connection status, and operator policy) mediates between the terminal's multi-network presence and the authentication system, selecting the appropriate network function to handle authentication and thus simplifying the overall procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the network triggers authentication procedure for terminal with multiple registrations, then network security is enhanced, but service quality (roaming and user parameter updates) may be suspended

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork securityVSAvoidservice quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by determining the fourth network function in advance based on registration information and connection status before actually triggering the authentication procedure. This pre-determination ensures that the authentication is triggered through the appropriate network function that can handle it without suspending other services, thus maintaining service quality while enhancing security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of network function selection based on different conditions (registration status, connection state, operator policy). By dynamically selecting the appropriate network function (AMF or AUSF) based on these parameters, the system can trigger authentication in a way that preserves service quality - for example, selecting a network function that can perform authentication without interrupting ongoing roaming procedures or user parameter updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4694259A1Authentication method and apparatus, network device and computer storage medium
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP4694259A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4694259A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4694259A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Provided in the present disclosure are an authentication method and apparatus, a network device, and a computer storage medium. The method may comprise: receiving a first message, the first message being used for triggering an authentication process for a first terminal, and the first terminal being a terminal that separately accesses a first service network and a second service network via different access types; and determining a second network element or a third network element as a fourth network element used for triggering the authentication process, the second network element being a network element of the first service network, and the third network element being a network element of the second service network. The present disclosure can realize network authentication for the terminal in the case of multiple registrations of the terminal in different service networks.