UMTS/LTE Mobile Station Activation via Authentication Request Repetition
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for activating a mobile phone without the user's knowledge are not applicable in modern digital mobile radio networks like UMTS and LTE, as they rely on GSM-specific techniques that do not work in these newer standards.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves setting up a connection between a mobile station and a base station, delaying the connection termination by repeatedly sending authentication requests, and using identity queries to maintain the mobile station's active state, allowing for extended silent calls without user notification, even in UMTS and LTE networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If GSM-specific activation methods are used, then mobile phones can be activated without user notice in GSM networks, but these methods are not applicable in modern UMTS and LTE networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adapts the activation method to different network standards (GSM, UMTS, LTE) by changing the communication parameters and protocols used. Specifically, it modifies the authentication mechanism from GSM's location update interruption to UMTS/LTE's identity request repetitions, maintaining activation capability across different technological generations through parameter adaptation
2Duration of action of moving object
If the connection is terminated immediately after position update request, then the activation duration is limited by timeout timers, but delaying termination requires additional authentication requests that complicate the protocol
Solution Approach 1:
The base station prepares authentication requests in advance and sends them strategically during the position update procedure. By having authentication requests ready and inserting them at critical moments (before timeout occurs), the system extends activation duration without requiring complex real-time decision-making or additional protocol mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The base station sends authentication requests periodically or at specific intervals during the position update procedure to keep the mobile station engaged. This periodic insertion of authentication requests prevents timeout without requiring continuous complex interactions, simply repeating a known effective action at appropriate moments
3Duration of action of moving object
If authentication requests are sent repeatedly to extend connection duration, then activation can be maintained beyond standard timeout periods, but the mobile station must remain engaged in the protocol exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile station is made to service itself by requiring it to respond to authentication requests. Rather than the base station actively maintaining the connection through continuous data exchange, the mobile station keeps itself engaged by automatically responding to authentication requests, thereby extending its own activation duration without external intervention or user awareness
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves transmitting a sequence of messages to the mobile station by a base station. The mobile station transmits a location update request to the base station and the base station replies to the messages by sending a location update reject or a location update accept (32). Another location update reject or another location update accept is transmitted by the base station before lapse of a time span (3,4,5). An independent claim is also included for an arrangement for activating a mobile station in a public mobile network unnoticed by the user.