WiMAX Mobility Restriction Notification via Authentication

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current WiMAX network solutions lack the ability to inform devices about mobility restrictions, such as fixed or nomadic access, and do not provide detailed information on mobility restrictions to subscribers or devices, leading to unnecessary network entry attempts and inefficient operations.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for generating and transmitting authentication notification messages containing terminal mobility restriction information across the R3 interface, using AAA servers and access network gateway entities, to inform WiMAX devices about mobility restrictions, including allowed or prohibited base stations and geographic locations, enabling efficient network operation and user experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If WiMAX networks implement mobility restrictions (fixed or nomadic access), then network operation efficiency is improved, but devices cannot be informed of these restrictions leading to unnecessary network entry attempts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork operation efficiencyVSAvoidmobility restriction information
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by including mobility restriction information in authentication notification messages before devices attempt network entry. The AAA server determines mobility restrictions (fixed, nomadic, or mobile access) and notifies devices in advance during the authentication phase, preventing unnecessary network entry attempts and improving network operation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of energy

If mobility restriction information is provided to devices, then unnecessary network entry attempts are reduced, but network complexity increases due to additional authentication messaging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy from network entry attemptsVSAvoidauthentication notification system
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the AAA server as an intermediary to manage mobility restriction information. The AAA server acts as a mediator between the network and devices, determining mobility restrictions and conveying this information through authentication notification messages. This approach reduces unnecessary network entry attempts while managing the added complexity through a centralized authentication authority.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2340670B1Method and apparatus for informing of roaming restrictions
Publication Date: 2018.08.22 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP2340670B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2340670B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2340670B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

It is disclosed a method (and related apparatus) comprising transmitting, after a network entry authentication procedure, between an access network gateway entity and one of a terminal and a serving entity, generated terminal mobility restriction information in the form of at least one text information element comprised in an authentication notification message, and receiving the terminal mobility restriction information; and a method (and related apparatus) comprising transmitting, via network entity management procedures, terminal mobility restriction information in the form of at least one additional leaf node being added to a network entity management object, and receiving the terminal mobility restriction information.