Token Register Architecture for M2M Terminal Network Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cellular telecommunications networks face inefficiencies and costs due to the provisioning and management of subscriber identification modules (SIMs) that are infrequently or never used, particularly with the trend of embedding SIMs in a wider range of devices, leading to increased disruption and unnecessary provisioning of MSISDN numbers.
Innovation Solution
A cellular telecommunications network architecture that includes a location register, a token register, a network gateway component, and a network monitoring component to facilitate data communication connections for terminals with token identification modules, allowing for redirection of requests, generation of connection identification data, and session authentication checks, enabling access to the network without pre-associated MSISDN numbers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If SIMs are pre-provisioned with MSISDN numbers for multiple territories, then terminals can be exported and used across different geographical locations, but the network operator incurs increased costs for provisioning and managing multiple MSISDN numbers, especially when SIMs are infrequently or never used
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the MSISDN provisioning process into two distinct phases: (1) initial connection establishment using a temporary MSISDN assigned at the time of first network access, and (2) optional permanent MSISDN assignment later if the service provider determines the terminal requires ongoing service. This segmentation allows the network to support terminal portability without pre-provisioning multiple MSISDNs, thereby reducing provisioning costs while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary authentication and connection establishment using a temporary MSISDN before any permanent MSISDN assignment occurs. The location register assigns a temporary MSISDN immediately when the terminal first accesses the network, enabling the terminal to be used across territories from day one without incurring the costs of pre-provisioning multiple permanent numbers.
2Loss of energy
If the network implements a system to track and manage usage patterns of SIMs to determine when permanent MSISDN assignment is necessary, then provisioning costs are reduced, but the complexity of the network management system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The location register serves as an intermediary component that automatically manages temporary MSISDN assignment and tracks terminal usage patterns. Rather than requiring complex centralized management systems, the location register handles the intelligence of determining when permanent MSISDN assignment is necessary based on observed usage, thereby reducing overall network management complexity while still achieving cost reduction goals.
3Ease of operation
If temporary MSISDNs are assigned at first network access, then terminals can connect immediately without pre-provisioning, but additional network components and processes are required to manage temporary vs. permanent MSISDNs
Solution Approach 1:
The location register is designed to perform multiple functions: it manages both temporary and permanent MSISDN assignments, tracks usage patterns, determines when permanent assignment is necessary, and handles the transition between temporary and permanent numbering. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate specialized components, thereby reducing network architecture complexity while enabling immediate terminal activation.
Data Source
AI summary
A cellular telecommunications network for facilitating communication connections for terminals having token identification modules, the network including: a location register for receiving requests to access the network and, if the requests are associated with a token identification module, redirecting the requests; a token register which receives redirected requests, generates connection identification data and transmits the connection identification data to the location register to identify the terminal to the location register; a network gateway component for establishing a communication between the network and the terminal in accordance with the connection identification data; and a network monitoring component for performing service management, such as a session authentication check. A network implementing the invention is capable of providing data communication sessions to terminals having identification modules that are not associated with MSISDN numbers. Embodiments described are directed to laptops and M2M terminals with embedded token identification modules.