Relay Device Virtual SIM Authentication for Non-SIM Terminals

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication methods cannot authenticate terminals not equipped with a SIM when they connect to a mobile core network, especially when there is no SIM present under the access point.

Innovation Solution

A communication method and system where a relay device in the fixed core network issues IMSI information and corresponding authentication information to the mobile core network, allowing the authentication device to associate and authenticate the terminal, enabling secure connection even without a SIM.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a terminal not equipped with a SIM connects to the mobile core network, then the terminal can access communication services, but the terminal cannot be authenticated by the mobile core network

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterminal connectivityVSAvoidauthentication security

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a relay device as an intermediary between the non-SIM terminal and the mobile core network. This relay device translates authentication protocols and generates virtual SIM credentials (IMSI and authentication information) that enable the non-SIM terminal to be authenticated by the mobile core network without requiring actual SIM hardware in the terminal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If authentication information of a SIM-equipped terminal under an access point is used, then the non-SIM terminal can be authenticated, but the method cannot be used when no SIM-equipped terminal exists under the access point

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication capabilityVSAvoidauthentication availability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The relay device performs self-service by autonomously generating virtual SIM credentials (IMSI and authentication information) when no SIM-equipped terminal is available under the access point. This eliminates dependency on external SIM terminals and allows the system to provide authentication services independently in all scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The relay device is designed with multi-functionality to handle both cases: it can use authentication information from SIM-equipped terminals when available, and generate virtual SIM credentials when not available. This universal approach ensures authentication capability is maintained across all operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11974128B2Communication method, communication system, relay device, and relay program

Publication Date: 2024.04.30 NIPPON TELEGRAPH & TELEPHONE CORP

AI summary

A terminal not equipped with a SIM is authenticated properly by a mobile core network. A communication system 7 includes a relay device 1 included in a fixed core network 6 and an HSS 56 included in a mobile core network 5. The relay device 1 includes an issuing unit 21 that issues IMSI information corresponding to a subscriber identifier of a non-SIM terminal 3 and authentication information corresponding to the IMSI information, and transmits the subscriber identifier and the IMSI information to the mobile core network 5, and a termination unit 23 that transmits the IMSI information and the authentication information of the non-SIM terminal 3 to the mobile core network 5. The HSS 56 holds the subscriber identifier and the IMSI information in association with each other, and authenticates the IMSI information and the authentication information of the non-SIM terminal.