Variable Cell Identifier for Open Network Access Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cellular mobile radio networks restrict access to closed subscriber group cells, preventing users from other networks or companies from accessing these cells without involving the home network, limiting open network access.

Innovation Solution

A method where the cell identifier of radio cells is variable, allowing temporary or permanent restriction to a closed subscriber group or enabling open network access, with specific bits indicating access restrictions or open access, enabling users from other groups to access CSG cells without home network involvement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If cell identifier is fixed for closed subscriber group, then access restriction is maintained, but open network access is prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess control flexibilityVSAvoidaccess restriction reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cell identifier is made variable and can be dynamically changed between different states (CSG identifier and open access identifier). This allows the cell to transition between restricted and open access modes, resolving the contradiction between maintaining access restriction reliability and enabling open network access flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of cell identifier from fixed to variable. By allowing the identifier to take different values (CSG identifier for restricted access, open access identifier for public access), the system achieves both reliable access control when needed and flexible open access when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If positive list comparison is required, then access control is maintained, but access speed is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess control reliabilityVSAvoidaccess speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring the mobile terminal with the positive list of permitted cell identifiers before access is needed. When access is required, the terminal simply compares the current cell identifier against this pre-stored list, eliminating the need for real-time complex authentication procedures and thus maintaining both reliability and speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If cell identifier is variable, then open network access is enabled, but identification precision is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess mode flexibilityVSAvoidcell identification precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using different identifier characteristics for different access scenarios. When open access is enabled, a specific identifier pattern is used that is distinct from the CSG identifier pattern. This allows the system to maintain precise identification through local differentiation while achieving overall adaptability across different access modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2298002B1Method for defining a range for closed subscriber group identities for an open network access point
Publication Date: 2013.08.28 DEUTSCHE TELEKOM AG
  • EP2298002B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2298002B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b

AI summary

Method for the operation of one or more radio cells in a cellular mobile radio network and cellular mobile radio system, wherein each radio cell can be identified by a transmitted cell identifier, wherein the use can be limited to a closed subscriber group by virtue of the radio cell having an appropriate identifier and by virtue of mobile radio terminals registering in the respective radio cell for use of the services of the mobile radio network only following a positive comparison with a positive list of authorized cell identifiers which is stored in the mobile radio terminal, wherein the cell identifier is variable and it is possible to use the cell identifier to establish whether registration and use of the network services is currently limited to the closed subscriber group or whether alternatively registration and use of the network services is cleared for any subscribers.