Pro-active Access Handling in Multi-Access Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-access network environments, roaming users experience delays in accessing new networks and handovers between different access technologies or networks within the same operator, leading to connectivity and service break issues, as existing solutions are not applicable to heterogeneous environments and introduce complexity or limitations.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that authenticate and prepare mobile nodes for access across multiple access networks by distributing preparation information based on current connectivity conditions and probable network areas, reducing signaling delays and optimizing handover times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional authentication and handover procedures are used in multi-access networks, then network security and proper authorization are maintained, but access delays and service breaks occur during handovers between different access technologies
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication and authorization actions by contacting the home network and obtaining preparation information before the actual handover occurs. This advance preparation enables the target access network to be pre-configured with necessary authentication data, allowing the mobile node to switch networks without waiting for authentication during the handover process itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication process is segmented into distinct phases: initial authentication at the source access network, fetching preparation information from the home network, distributing this information to target access networks, and finally executing the handover. This segmentation allows parallel processing of authentication tasks and eliminates sequential delays.
2Reliability
If preparation information is distributed to all access networks, then handover readiness is improved, but network complexity and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
Preparation information is distributed selectively to only those access networks where the mobile node is most likely to hand over, based on current connectivity conditions and network topology. This localized distribution approach maintains handover reliability for relevant networks while avoiding unnecessary complexity in networks where handover is unlikely.
Solution Approach 2:
The system distributes preparation information to a subset of access networks rather than all networks, representing a partial action approach. This selective distribution provides sufficient information for successful handovers while minimizing the complexity and signaling overhead that would result from universal distribution.
3Reliability
If the system contacts the home network for authentication, then proper authorization is ensured, but access delay increases for roaming users
Solution Approach 1:
The system contacts the home network in advance to fetch preparation information including authentication credentials before the actual access or handover occurs. This preliminary action ensures that when the mobile node needs to access a visited network, the authentication process is already complete or in progress, significantly reducing the time required at the moment of access.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication process is initiated and maintained continuously rather than being restarted at each access attempt. The preparation information fetched from the home network remains valid and can be used for multiple access attempts or handovers within its validity period, eliminating repeated authentication delays while maintaining continuous authorization validity.
Data Source
AI summary
Providing access for a mobile node to a communication network comprising multiple access networks operating according to different access technologies, wherein said communication network is configured to communicate by means of different access technologies with said mobile node, comprising, upon an access request of the mobile node at a first access network, preparing the access networks, other than the first one, for providing access for the mobile node in case of a handover of the mobile node to one of these other access networks.