Temporary Connectivity Identity for Mobile Network Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current subscription-based and SIM-based communication systems are costly, inflexible, and require physical SIM cards, which are cumbersome to manage, especially for short-term subscriptions and unclean environments, and lack secure authentication for users and networks.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that provide temporary connectivity identities and security parameters over a local communication link, allowing mobile terminals to register with a public communication services network without a pre-established subscription or SIM card, using wireless or wired links for secure authentication and key exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a SIM card is used for network authentication, then secure authentication is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase due to physical card requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the authentication function from the physical SIM card and implements it as a software-based solution. The terminal device performs authentication with the network using software-stored authentication parameters instead of requiring a physical SIM card, thereby eliminating the physical card infrastructure while maintaining authentication security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a software copy of the SIM card's authentication functionality. Instead of relying on the physical SIM card's stored authentication data, the terminal device uses software to store and process authentication parameters, effectively copying the essential function without the physical medium.
2Reliability
If pre-paid subscriptions are implemented, then network access control is improved, but user convenience deteriorates due to mandatory SIM card installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the requirement for physical SIM card installation from the terminal setup process. Pre-paid subscription control is maintained through software-based authentication where the terminal device communicates subscription status and authentication parameters with the network, eliminating the need for users to physically install or manage SIM cards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical SIM card insertion/removal process with a software-based authentication system. The physical action of inserting a SIM card is substituted by electronic authentication protocols where the terminal device sends and receives authentication data over the network interface.
3Reliability
If physical SIM cards are used in unclean environments, then authentication is maintained, but reliability decreases due to contamination and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a software replica of the SIM card's authentication functionality that is immune to environmental contamination. The authentication parameters are stored and processed in the terminal device's software memory rather than on a physical SIM card, eliminating susceptibility to dirt, moisture, and physical damage while maintaining authentication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the physical SIM card medium with a software-based authentication system. The mechanical vulnerability of physical cards to environmental factors is replaced by electronic storage and processing of authentication data, which can be protected by software error checking and correction mechanisms.
4Reliability
If traditional subscription systems are implemented, then network security is improved, but adaptability deteriorates for short-term and flexible connectivity needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic authentication system where subscription parameters and authentication credentials can be remotely updated and modified. The network can dynamically assign different authentication parameters to terminal devices based on time-limited subscriptions, usage patterns, or service levels, providing flexibility for short-term and varying connectivity needs while maintaining security through controlled parameter distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables flexible subscription management by allowing network-controlled changes to authentication parameters. The network can issue different authentication credentials with varying validity periods, access rights, and service parameters, enabling adaptable subscription models (e.g., hourly, daily, weekly passes) without requiring physical SIM card changes or reissuance.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for providing connectivity with a public communication services network (204) for a mobile terminal (200). A temporary connectivity identity and associated security parameters are obtained from the network (2:1) and loaded into the mobile terminal from a connectivity providing unit (202) over a local communication link (2:2). When the mobile terminal (2:3) later sends an access request to the network including the temporary connectivity identity, the mobile terminal is registered with the network based on the temporary connectivity identity and associated security parameters. If the network can validate the temporary connectivity identity by means of the associated security parameters (2:5), a connection can be set up with the mobile terminal (2:6) for communication services in the network.