WiFi Authentication Storm Prevention via ANQP Status Queries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current WiFi authentication procedures lead to authentication storms, overloading access networks and authentication servers due to lack of mechanisms for devices to detect server overload and for networks to control user equipment behavior, resulting in inefficient network selection and increased signaling traffic.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system and method that uses IEEE 802.11 Access Network Query Protocol (ANQP) to provide network authentication status indications to user equipment (UE), allowing it to select an appropriate network and implement authentication retry policies based on server overload or permission status, thereby preventing authentication storms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If devices perform authentication procedures each time they move to a new access network, then network connectivity is maintained, but authentication storms occur overloading access networks and authentication servers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having devices check authentication server status before initiating authentication procedures. The device queries the access network to determine if the authentication server is overloaded or unavailable, and only proceeds with authentication if the server is ready to accept requests. This prevents authentication storms by avoiding simultaneous authentication attempts from multiple devices.
2Productivity
If multiple devices attempt to authenticate simultaneously at the same access network, then network access is achieved, but authentication servers become overloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the access network provide status information about the authentication server to devices before authentication attempts. The device receives feedback regarding server overload conditions and adjusts its authentication timing accordingly, spreading out authentication requests to prevent server overload while maintaining efficient network access.
3Ease of operation
If devices lack awareness of authentication server overload status, then authentication attempts can be made freely, but the situation of server overload cannot be avoided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a status check mechanism before authentication. The device queries the access network to determine authentication server availability and overload status in advance, receiving this information as part of the network selection or handover process. This allows devices to make informed decisions about when to attempt authentication, improving success rates while maintaining operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method embodiment for network authentication includes selecting, by a user equipment (UE), an access network for establishing a network connection and receiving one or more network authentication status indications for a network associated with the access network. The method further includes implementing a network authentication and selection policy in accordance with the one or more network authentication status indications.