UE Access Credentials for Fast Authentication in On-Demand IoT Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless networks lack mechanisms for quickly and automatically authenticating and authorizing User Equipment (UEs) from different operators to access on-demand networks, such as Personal Internet of Things (IoT) networks, which are deployed dynamically and require secure communication.
Innovation Solution
Methods and apparatus for provisioning, authentication, and user equipment (UE) key generation and distribution in on-demand networks, including the use of access credentials with limited lifespans, key sets for secure communication, and multiple entities for authentication and authorization, such as home networks, application servers, and third-party entities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional authentication mechanisms are used in wireless networks, then security is maintained through established protocols, but the authentication and authorization process becomes slow and manual, preventing quick access for UEs from different operators
Solution Approach 1:
Access credentials are pre-provisioned in UEs before they need to access on-demand networks. The credentials include authentication information and authorization data that enable UEs to quickly join networks without real-time manual authentication, thus speeding up the process while maintaining security through pre-validated credential sets
Solution Approach 2:
A credential distribution system acts as an intermediary between home networks and on-demand networks. This intermediary automatically manages access credentials, provisions them to UEs, and coordinates authentication across different operators, eliminating manual processes while maintaining security through automated verification
2Productivity
If access credentials are provisioned for quick authentication, then authentication speed improves, but the risk of credential misuse or unauthorized access increases if proper lifespan management is not implemented
Solution Approach 1:
Access credentials are designed with dynamic lifespan characteristics, including start times, end times, and validity durations. Credentials automatically become invalid after their specified lifespan expires, providing time-bound security that enables quick access when needed while automatically revoking access to prevent misuse, thus balancing productivity and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The credential system changes parameters such as validity period, activation time, and expiration time based on network policies and service requirements. This parameter-based control allows flexible security management where credentials can be configured for different durations and conditions, maintaining both fast access and security assurance
3Reliability
If multiple entities are involved in authentication and authorization, then security and compliance are improved, but the complexity of the authentication process increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple authentication and authorization entities (home networks, on-demand networks, credential distribution systems) are merged into a coordinated workflow where each entity performs a specific function. The credential structure integrates authentication information, authorization data, and entity identifiers into a single provisioned package, reducing the perceived complexity for UEs while maintaining multi-entity security oversight
4Adaptability or versatility
If on-demand networks support UEs from different operators, then network versatility and user access flexibility improve, but mechanisms for secure communication between UEs from different operators are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The access credential system is designed with universal applicability across multiple operators and network types. Credentials contain operator identifiers, network identifiers, and standardized authentication data that enable UEs from any operator to access on-demand networks from any operator, providing multi-operator versatility while maintaining consistent security through standardized credential structures and verification processes
Data Source
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AI summary
According to embodiments, a user equipment (UE) receives an access credential message, The access credential message indicates an access credential for an on-demand network for the UE to access. The access credential message further indicates a limited lifespan of the access credential. The UE transmits, to the on-demand network, an authentication and authorization request. The authentication and authorization request includes information about the access credential. The UE receives, from the on-demand network, an authentication and authorization response. The UE establishes a session with the on-demand network based on the authentication and authorization response.