Subscription-less Device Initial Network Access via Temporary IMSI
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for initial network access of subscriber entities to radio access networks require additional non-cellular radio network interfaces, such as Wi-Fi, which increase device cost and complexity, and rely on traditional IMSI-based procedures, necessitating modifications to both devices and network infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A method and system enabling initial network access using an Access Identifier, allowing subscription-less devices to establish limited network access through a cellular radio access network without the need for alternative credentials or untrusted Wi-Fi connections, by transmitting an attach message with an Access Identifier that indicates subscription-less status, facilitating subsequent subscription ordering and profile download.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If alternative credentials such as device certificates are used for initial network access, then network access can be established without traditional IMSI, but both the device and network infrastructure require modifications to support non-traditional identifiers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a temporary IMSI that copies the structure and format of traditional IMSI identifiers, allowing subscription-less devices to authenticate using the same identifier type as traditional subscribers. This avoids the need for new identifier types and maintains compatibility with existing network infrastructure while enabling alternative access methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of the identifier from permanent (traditional IMSI) to temporary (valid only for initial access), allowing the device to transition from no subscription to having a functional identifier temporarily. This parameter change enables network access without requiring permanent subscription credentials or modifying the identifier type itself.
2Ease of operation
If non-cellular radio network interfaces such as Wi-Fi are used for initial profile download, then network connectivity can be established, but device cost and space increase due to additional radio network interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the dependency on alternative radio interfaces (Wi-Fi) for initial network access by enabling direct cellular network access using a temporary IMSI. This removes the need for additional radio interfaces, reducing device cost and complexity while maintaining the ability to establish initial connectivity through the cellular network alone.
3Reliability
If traditional IMSI-based procedures are used for network access, then network authentication is well-established, but subscription-less devices cannot access the network without first having a valid IMSI
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by assigning a temporary IMSI to the subscription-less device before actual network access is required. This preliminary identifier assignment enables the device to participate in traditional IMSI-based authentication procedures, combining the reliability of established authentication mechanisms with the adaptability to serve devices without permanent subscriptions.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided mechanisms for initial network access of a subscriber entity to a radio access network. A method is performed by the subscriber entity. The method comprises transmitting an attach message towards a network node. The attach message indicates a request for network access of the subscriber entity to a radio access network of the network node. The method comprises receiving an identification request originating from the network node. The identification request requests identification of the subscriber entity. The method comprises transmitting a response message towards the network node. The response message comprises an Access Identifier of the subscriber entity. The Access Identifier indicates that the subscriber entity is subscription-less. The method comprises receiving a grant from the network node. The grant allows the subscriber entity limited network access.