Network Policy Server Pre-Authentication for Carrier Wi-Fi
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Solution Overview
Problem
Carrier Wi-Fi authentication processes are hindered by lengthy authentication and authorization request times, which negatively impact user experience and network efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a network policy server to proactively send authorization indications to Wi-Fi hotspots based on user equipment location, allowing preloading of authentication results before connection requests, thereby reducing the need for on-demand authentication processing and messaging round trips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional on-demand authentication processing is used, then authentication security is maintained, but authentication response time is lengthy
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication processing by receiving user equipment information from the cellular network, identifying relevant Wi-Fi hotspots in advance, and pre-computing authentication credentials before the user equipment actually connects to Wi-Fi. This shifts the authentication workload from real-time to pre-processing, significantly reducing response time when connection is requested.
Solution Approach 2:
A network policy server acts as an intermediary between the cellular network and Wi-Fi hotspots. It receives user equipment information from the cellular network, processes authentication data, and sends credentials to Wi-Fi hotspots. This intermediary handles the complex authentication processing centrally, simplifying the interaction between cellular and Wi-Fi networks while maintaining security.
2Productivity
If pre-authentication processing is implemented, then authentication speed is improved, but network infrastructure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network policy server performs multiple functions: it receives user equipment information from cellular networks, identifies Wi-Fi hotspots, processes authentication credentials, and communicates with both cellular and Wi-Fi infrastructure. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into a single system that handles the entire authentication workflow across different network types.
Solution Approach 2:
The network policy server serves as a mediating system that bridges cellular and Wi-Fi networks. It translates between different network protocols and authentication mechanisms, allowing seamless integration without requiring complex modifications to existing cellular or Wi-Fi infrastructure.
3Duration of action of moving object
If authentication credentials are pre-sent to Wi-Fi hotspots, then connection establishment time is reduced, but message overhead before connection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system sends authentication credentials to Wi-Fi hotspots in advance, before user equipment connects. This preliminary action eliminates the need for back-and-forth authentication messaging when connection is requested, reducing connection establishment time despite the initial message overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for improving carrier Wi-Fi authentication response time. In use, at least one message is received at a network policy server indicating user equipment is present in at least one cell associated with a cellular network, the at least one message including information associated with the user equipment and at least one cell identifier associated with the at least one cell. Additionally, one or more Wi-Fi hot-spots that reside in a coverage area associated with the at least one cell are identified. Further, at least one indication that the user equipment is either authorized or not authorized to connect to at least one of the one or more Wi-Fi hot-spots is sent, the at least one indication including connection credentials associated with the user equipment if the user equipment is authorized to connect to at least one of the one or more Wi-Fi hot-spots, and the at least one indication being sent prior to the user equipment requesting to access any of the one or more Wi-Fi hot-spots.