Wireless Device Activation via Intermediary Agent
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is currently no efficient and secure method for activating a wireless device over an alternate network, especially when the device is outside the coverage area of its home network or on a competing carrier's network.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that create a secure connection between the wireless device and its home network using an alternate network, involving a clearing house as a proxy to route activation requests through a secure IP tunnel, allowing the device to be activated even when not within its home network's coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wireless device attempts to activate over an alternate network, then the device can be activated outside home network coverage, but the activation process becomes insecure and inefficient due to lack of direct network recognition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a home network agent as an intermediary component that resides on the alternate network. This agent acts as a secure bridge between the wireless device and the home network, enabling authenticated communication without requiring direct network recognition. The agent validates activation requests and establishes secure tunnels, resolving the contradiction by providing both activation capability on alternate networks and maintained security through controlled intermediary access.
2Reliability
If traditional activation processes are used, then security is maintained through direct network authentication, but the device cannot be activated when outside home network coverage area
Solution Approach 1:
The home network agent serves as a trusted intermediary that extends the home network's authentication capabilities to alternate networks. It maintains security by implementing the home network's authentication protocols locally, while simultaneously enabling activation flexibility by accepting activation requests from devices on any network. The agent then establishes secure encrypted tunnels back to the home network, preserving security while achieving location-independent activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimensional layer to the activation architecture by introducing the home network agent as a separate entity that operates independently on the alternate network. This creates a two-dimensional activation path: direct authentication when on home network, and intermediary-based authentication when on alternate network. This dimensional addition resolves the contradiction by providing activation flexibility in one dimension while maintaining security through the controlled intermediary channel in another dimension.
3Reliability
If in-store activation is used, then secure activation is achieved, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service activation by allowing users to initiate the activation process autonomously through the wireless device itself. The device communicates with the home network agent on the alternate network, which handles authentication and provisioning without requiring physical store presence or manual carrier staff intervention. This self-service mechanism maintains security through automated authenticated protocols while dramatically improving convenience by eliminating the need for in-store visits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical in-store activation process with an automated electronic system. Instead of requiring physical presence at a carrier store with manual processing, the system uses electronic communication between the wireless device, home network agent, and home network servers. This substitution maintains the security of authenticated activation while eliminating the operational inconvenience of traveling to and waiting at a physical location.
4Ease of operation
If over-the-air activation is implemented, then activation convenience is improved, but the process fails when the device is on an alternate carrier's network that does not recognize the device
Solution Approach 1:
The home network agent acts as a network-agnostic intermediary that receives activation requests from devices on any carrier's network. Instead of requiring the alternate carrier's network to recognize or support the device (which causes compatibility failures), the agent intercepts and forwards activation requests through secure tunnels to the home network. This intermediary approach maintains activation convenience while achieving universal network compatibility.
5Reliability
If direct connection to home network is established, then activation security is maximized, but roaming charges increase due to unnecessary network mediation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by establishing the home network agent only when needed on alternate networks, rather than maintaining full home network infrastructure everywhere. The agent handles only the specific function of intercepting and forwarding activation requests, then terminates the connection. This partial deployment maintains security for activation operations while minimizing roaming charges by avoiding continuous or excessive network mediation for all device operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An activation of a wireless device for network service on a home network of the carrier or service provider with which a user subscribes or intends to subscribe can be implemented over an alternate wireless network, e.g., a network of another wireless carrier. A data communication containing a request for activation is received from a non-activated wireless device via the alternate wireless network on a server configured to provide activation. The data communication is compared to one or more activation criteria. Upon determining, based on the comparison, that the content meets the one or more activation criteria, an activation data packet for activation of the non-activated wireless device is sent to the non-activated wireless device over the home wireless network and over the alternate wireless network.