WCD Diversion via MME Handover for Authentication Unavailability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication networks face failures in authenticating devices for packet data connections due to temporary unavailability of network entities involved in the authentication procedure, leading to unsuccessful connection requests despite the device's authorization.
Innovation Solution
A management entity within the network initiates a handover of the wireless communication device from a first serving system to a second serving system using a different air interface protocol when authentication is unavailable, allowing the device to temporarily use the second system's resources and re-authenticate once the first system's authentication procedure becomes available.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the network uses a single authentication procedure for packet data connections, then the authentication process is simple and straightforward, but the system reliability deteriorates when the authentication entity becomes temporarily unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the authentication parameter by switching between different air interface protocols (first protocol vs. second protocol) based on the availability of the authentication entity. When the primary authentication procedure is unavailable, the system transitions to an alternative protocol to maintain connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic selection of serving systems based on real-time authentication availability. The management entity monitors the status of authentication entities and dynamically redirects WCDs to alternative serving systems when needed, making the system adaptive to changing conditions rather than static.
2Reliability
If the system rejects connection requests when authentication is unavailable, then the authentication integrity is maintained, but the service availability deteriorates for temporarily unavailable but authorized devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary management entity that mediates between the WCD and the authentication entity. This intermediary can detect authentication unavailability, initiate handover to alternative serving systems, and maintain connection continuity without compromising security, as the diversion is controlled and tracked by the management entity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares alternative authentication paths in advance by establishing multiple serving systems with different air interface protocols. When the primary authentication becomes unavailable, the pre-prepared alternative paths are immediately activated, cushioning the impact of authentication failures and maintaining service continuity.
3Productivity
If the system implements handover to alternative serving systems, then the service availability is maintained during authentication unavailability, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The management entity performs multiple functions: it manages primary authentication, monitors authentication entity availability, initiates handover procedures, and tracks diverted WCDs. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into a single entity rather than distributing it across multiple specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a simplified copy of the authentication process in the second serving system using a different air interface protocol. This copy allows WCDs to be authenticated and connected even when the primary authentication path is unavailable, without requiring full duplication of the complex primary authentication infrastructure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the system uses a single air interface protocol, then the network design is simplified, but the adaptability deteriorates when authentication procedures become unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses asymmetric protocol design where the first serving system uses a first air interface protocol and the second serving system uses a second air interface protocol. This asymmetry allows the system to adapt to different authentication availability conditions by selecting the appropriate protocol-based path, rather than requiring all entities to use identical symmetric protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication device (WCD) transmits to a first serving system a data-connection request that requests a packet data connection. A mobility management entity (MME) determines that an authentication procedure for authenticating the WCD for the requested packet data connection is unavailable. In response, the MME initiates a handover of the WCD from the first serving system to a second serving system. The first and second serving systems use different air interface protocols. When the handover has been successfully completed, the MME stores an indication that the WCD has been diverted to the second serving system. The MME may subsequently determine that the authentication procedure has become available. In response, the MME determines whether the WCD is associated with a valid subscriber profile. If so, the MME requests the second serving system to invite the WCD to connect to the first serving system.