Shared Radio Base Station Authentication for Multi-Carrier 5G
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Solution Overview
Problem
The rollout of 5G services is hindered by the need for more radio base stations due to shorter radio wave reach at higher frequencies, leading to delayed service provision in suburbs and urban areas, and the complexity of introducing local 5G networks, as well as concerns about security and control when sharing infrastructure among communication carriers.
Innovation Solution
A radio base station apparatus that uses a processor to authenticate communication carriers through electronic certificates and key pairs, allowing secure sharing and connection management with virtual leased lines, ensuring secure data transfer and network control through a virtualization platform and hardware cryptographic modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If more radio base station apparatuses are installed to cover the same area with 5G services, then the service coverage area is improved, but the installation cost and difficulty increase due to lack of installation places in urban areas and profitability issues in suburbs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple communication carriers' base station requirements into a single shared physical infrastructure. The radio base station apparatus is configured to simultaneously serve multiple carriers (MNO and VMNO) through virtualization and network slicing, eliminating the need for separate physical base stations for each carrier and reducing overall installation complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The radio base station apparatus is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple carriers and multiple services simultaneously. It implements universal access through standardized interfaces and protocols, allowing a single base station to provide 5G services to different operators in different geographic areas without requiring separate installations.
2Ease of operation
If a local 5G network is introduced in areas where 5G services are not provided, then the service availability is improved, but the introduction difficulty increases due to need for specialized communication knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a shared radio base station apparatus as an intermediary between MNOs and VMNOs. This intermediary handles the complex technical implementation details, allowing VMNOs to provide services without needing specialized communication knowledge. The shared base station abstracts the complexity away from the service providers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service through automated authentication and service provisioning mechanisms. The shared base station automatically manages multiple carriers' connections, authentication, and service delivery without requiring manual configuration by specialists, making it easier for organizations to deploy local 5G networks.
3Ease of operation
If L2 connection is used for VMNO to connect with MNO, then the connection simplicity is improved, but the control authority and security are worsened due to MNO's ability to influence 5G service provision through API control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network connection into multiple isolated paths. Instead of a single L2 connection where MNO controls the VMNO, the system creates separate virtualized network slices and isolated communication channels. Each carrier has its own authenticated connection path to the shared base station, preventing one carrier from controlling or influencing the other's services.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared radio base station apparatus acts as an independent intermediary between MNO and VMNO. It mediates all communications and control signals, ensuring that neither carrier can directly control the other. The base station implements independent authentication and authorization for each carrier, maintaining service independence while providing simplified connectivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A radio base station apparatus includes a processor configured to hold an electronic certificate for a communication carrier and a key pair to be used for authentication of the electronic certificate, for each communication carrier that requests a use of the radio base station apparatus, in a case where a connection request is received from the communication carrier, use the key pair and the electronic certificate for a use communication carrier being the communication carrier that has performed the connection request to authenticate whether or not the use communication carrier is the communication carrier to which a connection to the radio base station apparatus is permitted, and, in a case where an attempt of the authentication succeeds, construct a virtual leased line for connecting the radio base station apparatus with a connection device functioning as an interface with the radio base station apparatus in a communication facility of the use communication carrier, and transfer data in accordance with control from the communication facility of the use communication carrier, the control being performed through the connection device.