SIM-Based Wi-Fi Authentication Gateway via WISPr Protocol
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Wi-Fi/WiMAX network access authentication methods, such as 802.1X and WISPr 1.0, face challenges in supporting SIM-based credentials, requiring complex infrastructure changes and user configuration, and are not designed to handle EAP protocols, limiting seamless roaming and user access.
Innovation Solution
An Authentication System that uses a SIM card as a credential, communicating via HTTP/S protocol with client software to verify against a Mobile Network Authentication Server, generating a temporary or permanent credential for Wi-Fi access using WISPr 1.0 protocol, facilitating SIM-based authentication within or outside the walled garden environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If 802.1X protocol is implemented for SIM-based authentication, then authentication security is improved, but device complexity and infrastructure requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an authentication gateway as an intermediary component that bridges the SIM-based authentication system and Wi-Fi networks. This gateway translates between mobile network authentication protocols and Wi-Fi authentication protocols, eliminating the need for complex 802.1X infrastructure while maintaining security. The gateway acts as a mediator that handles the complexity internally while presenting a simplified interface to both users and network infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If EAP protocols are supported for SIM authentication, then authentication versatility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex user configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality where the authentication gateway automatically detects the user's SIM card type and configures the appropriate authentication protocol without user intervention. The system autonomously handles protocol selection, parameter configuration, and authentication method determination based on the inserted SIM card, eliminating the need for users to manually configure complex EAP settings while maintaining support for multiple authentication protocols.
3Ease of operation
If WISPr 1.0 protocol is used for Wi-Fi access, then ease of operation is improved, but authentication versatility deteriorates as it is not designed to handle EAP protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the WIS_pr 1.0 protocol implementation by integrating multiple authentication method support within the same framework. The authentication gateway is designed to handle both simple username/password authentication and complex SIM-based EAP authentication through a unified interface. This multi-functional design allows the system to maintain the operational simplicity of WIS_pr while incorporating the versatility of EAP protocols, enabling seamless adaptation to different authentication scenarios without requiring separate systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for completing the authentication process of a user device in a second communication network (such as Wi-Fi or WiMAX) utilizes the user credential (such as a SIM card, a USIM card, or a RUIM card) of a first communication network (such as GSM, CDMA, EDGE, or LTE). A client, such as a software module, executes on the wireless device. An authentication platform retrieves the SIM card credential information in the first communication network and passes the information to the authentication platform of the second communication network, thereby granting the client access to the second communication after the authentication platform validates with the first communication network.