WiFi Access Point IP Router for Packet Core Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for Fixed Wireless Terminals (FWTs) are inefficient for providing mobile access broadband connectivity to packet core networks, as they hide individual users behind a Network Address Translator (NAT), making it complex to integrate with existing mobile network architectures and policy control for charging and Quality of Service (QoS) purposes.
Innovation Solution
Configuring an access point as an IP router within the packet core network, authenticating and authorizing wireless terminals, and allocating IP addresses from a defined IP address space, while using EAP-SIM/AKA or 802.1x methods for authentication, and employing a AAA server to manage policy rules and charging, enabling flexible and controlled packet access services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If FWT uses NAT to connect multiple users to the cellular network, then the number of connected devices can be increased, but individual users cannot be identified for policy control and charging purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the IP address space by creating a dedicated subnet for the FWT, allowing individual IP address allocation to each wireless terminal. This segmentation enables the network to identify and manage individual users while maintaining multiple connections through the single FWT interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the FWT acts as a router that forwards individual terminal identities and IP address allocation requests to the cellular network. This intermediary role allows user identification to be preserved and transmitted to the network operator for policy control and charging.
2Adaptability or versatility
If FWT integrates with existing mobile network architectures, then compatibility is improved, but the complexity of integration with policy control and charging systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the FWT multi-functional by enabling it to operate both as a standard WiFi access point and as an IP router with cellular network integration capabilities. This universality allows the FWT to handle multiple tasks including authentication, IP address allocation, and policy control enforcement within a single device, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the FWT with routing table entries and subnet information before wireless terminals connect. This advance configuration simplifies the integration process and enables seamless operation with existing mobile network architectures without requiring complex real-time setup procedures.
3Ease of operation
If FWT allocates IP addresses from a defined IP address space, then network control and flexibility are improved, but the complexity of IP address management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic IP address allocation where the FWT automatically assigns IP addresses from the defined IP address space to wireless terminals as they connect. This dynamic management provides network operators with flexible control over address allocation while automating the process to minimize manual management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes feedback mechanisms where the FWT reports IP address allocation status and terminal connection information to the cellular network operator. This feedback loop enables centralized monitoring and management of IP address usage, simplifying overall network control while maintaining flexibility in local address distribution.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of providing access for wireless terminals to a packet core network. The method comprises attaching an access point to said packet core network via a cellular radio access network, defining a subnet associated with an I P address space, and configuring said access point as a router of the subnet. Then, for each wireless terminal wishing to access said packet core network via said access point, the following steps are carried out: c) authenticating and authorising the wireless terminal to the packet core network via the access point, and d) exchanging signalling between the wireless terminal and the packet core network via the access point in order to allocate to the wireless terminal an IP address from said IP address space.