Roaming Authentication via WiFi Cellular Network Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face high costs when making and receiving calls while roaming, as they typically rely on expensive cellular networks, and existing solutions for VoIP calling often require additional hardware and complex network infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that enables wireless devices to switch between cellular and local area networks, such as WiFi, for call delivery, allowing users to retain their home cellular number while using lower-cost networks, using a VoIP Cloud that authenticates and routes calls efficiently across different networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If users rely on cellular networks for roaming calls, then call connectivity is maintained, but roaming charges become very expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches the call delivery network based on device location and network availability. The wireless device can transition between cellular network and local area network (WiFi) for call delivery, with the network selection changing in real-time based on operational conditions rather than being fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
A home location register (HLR) acts as an intermediary between the cellular network and local area network. The HLR receives calls on the cellular network and intelligently routes them to either the cellular network or WiFi network based on current device status, enabling seamless network transition without user intervention.
2Ease of manufacture
If users use VoIP solutions for roaming calls, then roaming charges are reduced, but additional hardware and complex network infrastructure are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows existing wireless devices to serve multiple functions - they can receive calls on both cellular and WiFi networks using their existing hardware. The device's cellular modem and WiFi interface both function as valid call reception pathways, eliminating the need for dedicated VoIP hardware while maintaining cost benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy of the home location register functionality within the HLR intermediary, allowing call routing decisions to be made without duplicating expensive hardware infrastructure. The virtualization of network control functions enables complex routing logic using software rather than additional physical equipment.
3Area of stationary object
If calls are routed over public Internet, then network coverage is extended, but call quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different quality standards to different network paths. Calls routed through the HLR on managed networks (cellular or private WiFi) receive priority handling and quality guarantees, while maintaining extended coverage through the ability to route to various local area networks based on their specific characteristics.
Data Source
AI summary
A cost-effective system and method of sending and receiving high quality phone calls over a low-cost network (e.g., a local area network, a WiFi network, etc.) with a wireless device, where such phone calls would typically have been delivered over a cellular network to the wireless device is provided herein. The system enables the wireless device to retain a phone number assigned by its home cellular network to send and receive calls, while still sending and receiving such calls over the low-cost network. The system also enables wireless devices to be authenticated with the home network of the wireless device for purposes other than sending and receiving high-quality phone calls.