W-AGF Relay for Non-5G Device Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-5G capable devices lack the necessary hardware and software to perform access network registration and authentication with 5G networks, preventing them from utilizing the benefits of 5G deployments.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a wireline-access gateway function (W-AGF) connected to a residential gateway (RG) to authenticate Non-5G capable devices by sending Identity and Registration Request messages to the 5G core network, including an indication of the device's non-5G capability, and forwarding Authentication Request messages to the device for validation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Non-5G capable devices are deployed, then device compatibility and market coverage are improved, but the ability to perform access network registration and authentication with 5G networks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Residential Gateway (RG) as an intermediary device between Non-5G capable devices and the 5G core network. The RG performs authentication on behalf of the NSGC device by interacting with the 5G core network, thereby enabling devices without native 5G capabilities to access 5G services through the gateway's mediation
2Reliability
If 5G capable devices with 5G radio chipsets and 5G-configured SIMs are used, then authentication capability is improved, but device complexity and hardware requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the 5G authentication functionality from the end device and relocates it to the Residential Gateway. Instead of requiring every device to have 5G radio chipsets and 5G-configured SIMs, the authentication capability is separated out and implemented centrally in the gateway, which then represents the NSGC device during authentication with the 5G core network
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods to authenticate a Non-Fifth Generation Capable (N5GC) device on a Residential Gateway (RG) include a wireline access network comprising the RG and a wireline-access gateway function (W-AGF). The RG connects to the W-AGF using a termination system (e.g., a Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) and the like) to relay N5GC device messages received at the RG to the W-AGF and vice versa. During a registration/authentication procedure for the N5GC device, the W-AGF generates a Registration Request message on behalf of the N5GC device and sends the Registration Request message to an Access & Mobility Management Function (AMF) of a Fifth Generation (5G) core network. The Registration Request message includes an indication that the N5GC device lacks 5G capabilities (e.g., is N5GC). In response to the Registration Request message, the system causes the N5GC device to be authenticated at least partly in response to the Registration Request message.