VoWiFi Connectivity via Hidden SSID Probing and SIM Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile network operators face challenges in providing cellular coverage due to terrain and regulatory issues, and customers often cannot access untrusted Wi-Fi networks due to password protections, making seamless VoWIFI calls inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A user equipment (UE) with a processor and memory enables VoWIFI service by receiving hidden SSID information, registering with a core network via a radio access network, and probing untrusted Wi-Fi networks for connectivity, allowing authentication and secure access without sharing SSID and password information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If mobile network operators provide VoWIFI over untrusted Wi-Fi networks, then coverage area is improved, but security risk increases due to password protections and restricted access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication mechanism where the UE uses SIM-based credentials to authenticate with the Wi-Fi network through the EPC. This intermediary system allows access to untrusted networks without requiring direct sharing of network credentials between users, thereby expanding coverage while maintaining security through operator-controlled authentication.
2Ease of operation
If users share Wi-Fi passwords to access untrusted networks, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of information increases due to exposure of sensitive credentials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service authentication where the UE automatically uses its SIM card credentials to authenticate with the Wi-Fi network without requiring manual password sharing. The system autonomously handles the authentication process through the EPC, eliminating the need for users to exchange sensitive information while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The EPC acts as an intermediary that handles authentication requests from the UE to the Wi-Fi network. Instead of users directly sharing passwords, the EPC mediates the authentication process using secure SIM-based credentials, thereby enabling easy access while preventing loss of sensitive information.
3Extent of automation
If automatic authentication is implemented using SIM information, then extent of automation is improved, but device complexity increases due to integration with ePDG and EPC
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing SIM card, which already serves as a universal credential for cellular network access. By reusing this existing multi-functional credential for Wi-Fi authentication as well, the system achieves high automation without adding significant complexity, as the SIM card and its authentication mechanisms are already present in the UE.
Data Source
AI summary
A UE can enable a VoWIFI service, receive hidden SSID information, and register with a core network via a RAN. The UE can monitor a first signal strength of a first signal from the RAN. The UE can scan for a second signal from a WLAN, and when found, can measure a second signal strength of the second signal. The UE can determine whether the first signal strength is at or below a first threshold. If so, and if the WLAN is untrusted, the UE can probe it with the hidden SSID information. If the untrusted WLAN responds, the UE can send an access request to an untrusted WLAN access point. The UE can receive, via the untrusted WLAN access point, an authentication challenge from an ePDG. If the UE passes the authentication challenge, the UE can register with the core network via the untrusted WLAN and the ePDG.