Roaming Access Controller Policy Translation for IoT Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network roaming technologies are limited to specific device classes and require peering agreements between networks, restricting open roaming across different types of networks, especially for IoT devices and virtual objects.
Innovation Solution
A system that translates device-specific policies from a home network into a format applicable on any roaming network, using a centralized roaming provider to ensure policy compliance and enforcement without the need for individual peering agreements, enabling seamless roaming across various network technologies and domains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current roaming technologies are used, then devices can roam between networks with peering agreements, but roaming is limited to specific device classes and network types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a roaming access controller as an intermediary component that centralizes policy management and authentication. This controller acts as a mediator between roaming devices and various access networks, translating device-specific policies into network-applicable formats. By consolidating roaming management functions in a single intermediary entity, the system eliminates the need for complex bilateral peering agreements between every network pair, thereby improving adaptability while reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The roaming access controller is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple device types (IoT devices, virtual objects, traditional devices) and various network technologies (Wi-Fi, cellular, LoRa, CBRS). The policy translation mechanism universally converts device-specific requirements into a standardized format that any access network can understand and enforce, enabling seamless roaming across heterogeneous networks without requiring network-specific configurations for each device class.
2Ease of operation
If device-specific policies are applied, then granular control over individual devices is achieved, but policy translation and enforcement across multiple networks becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms device-specific policy parameters into network-applicable policy formats through automated translation. The roaming access controller extracts relevant parameters from device profiles (such as access permissions, QoS requirements, security policies) and converts them into standardized network policy language. This parameter transformation approach maintains granular control over individual devices while simplifying the enforcement mechanism at each access network, as networks only need to interpret standardized policies rather than device-specific configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If open roaming is enabled across any network, then device connectivity flexibility increases, but network security and policy enforcement become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary policy translation and authentication before devices actually access roaming networks. The roaming access controller pre-evaluates device profiles against network policies, translates appropriate policies into network-applicable formats, and establishes authentication credentials in advance. This preliminary action ensures that policy compliance is verified before network access is granted, maintaining security and reliability while enabling open roaming. Devices receive pre-configured policy packages that ensure consistent enforcement across all accessed networks.
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology discloses non-transitory computer-readable media, systems, and methods for receiving a notification that an identified physical object has attached to a roaming network, wherein the identified physical object is roaming when on the roaming network; translating at least one policy intent that was defined at a home network for the identified physical object into a policy suitable to be applied by the roaming network; and sending, to the roaming network, the at least one translated policy intent to be applied to the identified physical object on the roaming network.