Radio-Network Switching System Talkgroup Authentication Token
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile two-way radio systems lack efficient methods for adding mobile radios to talkgroups, particularly for public-safety users who require direct communication and group calling functionalities, especially in scenarios where wireless infrastructure is out of range.
Innovation Solution
A radio-network switching system (RNSS) generates and manages authentication tokens to securely add mobile radios to talkgroups, allowing for seamless integration and communication across different radio-access technologies, using short-range communication protocols for token exchange and authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mobile radios are added to talkgroups in traditional wireless infrastructure environments, then group calling functionality is achieved, but direct mobile-to-mobile communication capability is lost when out of range of wireless infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces authentication tokens as an intermediary mechanism that enables direct mobile-to-mobile communication. The token acts as a mediator that carries authentication information between mobiles, allowing them to communicate directly without requiring continuous infrastructure mediation, thus maintaining reliability when out of range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the authentication and communication processes into distinct components: token generation by the RNSS, token distribution to mobiles, and token-based authentication for direct communication. This segmentation allows the system to separate infrastructure-dependent functions from infrastructure-independent direct communication capabilities.
2Reliability
If authentication mechanisms are implemented for adding mobiles to talkgroups, then security is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the authentication logic into a separate, standardized token-based mechanism. Instead of implementing complex authentication protocols within the core communication system, the authentication functionality is extracted into discrete tokens that are generated, distributed, and validated as independent entities, simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the authentication approach from complex multi-step verification to a parameter-based token system. The authentication state is represented by specific parameters within the token (such as talkgroup identifiers, mobile identifiers, and validity periods), allowing secure authentication through parameter validation rather than complex procedural checks.
3Reliability
If talkgroup management is centralized in the RNSS, then control and security are improved, but response time for adding mobiles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-generating and distributing authentication tokens to mobiles before they need to join a talkgroup. The RNSS prepares the authentication credentials in advance, and mobiles can immediately use these pre-prepared tokens to authenticate and join talkgroups without requiring time-consuming real-time authentication requests.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service by allowing mobiles to autonomously use their authentication tokens to join talkgroups without requiring manual intervention or complex real-time authorization requests to the RNSS. The mobile independently validates its token and establishes communication, reducing the time the centralized system needs to respond.
Data Source
AI summary
At least one embodiment takes the form of a process carried out by a first radio-network switching system (RNSS). The first RNSS maintains a talkgroup of mobile radios that includes a first mobile radio. The first RNSS receives an add-mobile-radio request from the first mobile radio and responsively sends an add-mobile-radio response to the first mobile radio. The add-mobile-radio response includes an add-mobile-radio authentication token. The first RNSS receives, from a second mobile radio, an add-mobile-radio authentication message that identifies the second mobile radio and that includes the add-mobile-radio authentication token. In response to receiving the add-mobile-radio authentication message from the second mobile radio, the first RNSS adds the identified second mobile radio to the talkgroup.