Temporary Credential Assignment for Roaming Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transmitting or receiving data via a roaming wireless network can be costly and consume significant network resources, as it often requires communication with the home wireless network for processing calls and data requests, leading to increased costs and network load.
Innovation Solution
Providing temporary credentials, such as a temporary telephone number or IMSI, to user devices, allowing them to access a roaming wireless network without needing to communicate with the home network for each call or data request, and metering usage to track charges accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If user devices connect to roaming wireless networks to access data and make calls, then network connectivity and communication services are maintained, but network resources are consumed and costs increase due to required communication with the home network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the authentication and authorization function from the home network and places it in the roaming network's HLR. The HLR in the roaming network stores subscriber information and authentication data locally, allowing the roaming network to independently process call and data requests without constantly querying the home network, thus reducing network resource consumption while maintaining connectivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a roaming HLR as an intermediary between the user device and the home network. This intermediary stores subscriber profiles and authentication information, enabling the roaming network to validate and process requests locally. The HLR acts as a mediator that reduces the need for direct communication with the home network for routine operations, thereby reducing network resource consumption
2Measurement precision
If the home wireless network tracks usage of the roaming wireless network for account charging, then accurate billing is achieved, but network load and communication overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the roaming HLR pre-store subscriber information, authentication data, and usage tracking mechanisms locally. The HLR proactively monitors and records usage data (call duration, data volume, etc.) without requiring continuous communication with the home network. This preliminary setup enables accurate billing while reducing real-time communication overhead
Solution Approach 2:
The roaming HLR performs self-service by independently storing, monitoring, and tracking usage data for roaming subscribers. It autonomously maintains subscriber profiles and usage records without requiring constant intervention or communication with the home network. This self-service capability enables accurate usage tracking and billing while significantly reducing network communication complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A network device may receive, from a first telecommunications network, one or more temporary credentials that allow access to the first telecommunications network; receive, from a user device, a request to access the first telecommunications network; provide, to a server device associated with a second telecommunications network associated with the user device, a service validation request; receive, from the server device, a service validation response indicating that the user device is permitted to access the first telecommunications network; provide, based on receiving the service validation response, a particular temporary credential, of the one or more temporary credentials, to the user device; and transmit data to or from the user device via the first telecommunications network when the particular temporary credential is used to access the telecommunications network.