Private LTE Network Access via Application-Based Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Private LTE networks face challenges in supporting commercial operator handsets, requiring users to carry multiple devices or constantly change SIM cards, due to the need for separate provisioning and authentication without a roaming agreement.
Innovation Solution
A system that enables commercial mobile devices to access private LTE networks by installing a dedicated application on the device, which allows authorization, provisioning, and authentication using existing SIM cards without a conventional roaming agreement, leveraging a digital distribution server, user management server, and caching server to manage access and authentication data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If private LTE networks issue new SIM cards or handsets provisioned for use only in the private network, then network access control and security are improved, but user convenience and device compatibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The solution segments the network access mechanism by introducing a separate application layer (digital distribution server, user management server, caching server) that operates independently from the traditional SIM card system. This allows the private network to maintain its security controls while enabling commercial SIM cards to function through the application-based authentication pathway, eliminating the need for users to carry multiple devices or SIM cards.
2Reliability
If private LTE networks require separate provisioning and authentication without roaming agreements, then network security and autonomy are improved, but device management complexity and user burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary application layer with specific servers (digital distribution server, user management server, caching server) that mediates between commercial mobile devices and the private LTE network. This intermediary system handles authentication and provisioning without requiring traditional roaming agreements, thereby maintaining network security while simplifying device management for users.
3Ease of operation
If commercial devices are to access private LTE networks without new SIMs or roaming agreements, then user experience is improved, but network provisioning complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solution implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the authentication and provisioning infrastructure (digital distribution server, user management server, caching server) before commercial devices need to access the private network. This advance preparation enables seamless user experience with commercial devices while the complex provisioning logic is handled automatically by the pre-established server system, reducing the perceived complexity for users.
Data Source
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AI summary
According an aspect, there is provided a terminal device for performing the following. The terminal device transmits a request for authorizing a user of the terminal device for accessing a private mobile network to a server system managing the private mobile network. The request comprises at least identification information identifying the user. In response to receiving a confirmation message confirming an authorization of the user for accessing the private mobile from the server system, the terminal device adds, to a list of allowed mobile networks in at least one memory, an identifier of the private mobile network and transmits one or more identifiers for a Subscriber Identity Module card of the user and one or more identifiers for the terminal device to the server system. The terminal device accesses the private mobile network using at least the identifier of the private mobile network via an access node.