Wireless Device NPN Access via Credential Repository
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques face challenges in enabling easy access for wireless devices connected to public communication networks to connect to non-public networks (NPNs) due to lack of common identifiers for authentication and the reluctance of network operators to sign roaming agreements, especially in scenarios like automatic valet parking where vehicles from different manufacturers are involved.
Innovation Solution
A method where a wireless device receives network information, including a network identity and credential, from a server to connect to and authenticate with an NPN, allowing seamless transition from a public communication network to an NPN without requiring specific actions from the public network operator or multiple roaming agreements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If roaming agreements are established between public communication networks and NPNs to enable easy access, then wireless devices can connect to NPNs, but network operators are reluctant to sign roaming agreements and it would require multiple roaming agreements with different operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a credential repository as an intermediary component that stores NPN credentials and provides them to wireless devices. This mediator eliminates the need for direct roaming agreements between network operators, as the credential repository acts as a central authorization point that both public networks and NPNs can access, thereby simplifying the access mechanism while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the authentication credential management function from the traditional roaming agreement framework. By separating the credential storage and distribution function into a dedicated credential repository, the system removes the complexity of establishing multiple bilateral roaming agreements between network operators, allowing wireless devices to access NPNs through a standardized credential-based mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If network configurations are modified to facilitate re-selection to NPN by declaring it an equivalent PLMN, then wireless devices can connect to NPN, but it is costly to reconfigure the network and requires major undertaking by network operators
Solution Approach 1:
The credential repository serves as an intermediary that provides NPN credentials to wireless devices without requiring modifications to the public communication network configuration. This approach avoids the costly and complex process of declaring NPNs as equivalent PLMNs, as the credential-based mechanism allows devices to autonomously access NPNs through their existing public network connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing NPN credentials in the credential repository before wireless devices need to access NPNs. This advance preparation eliminates the need for real-time network reconfiguration or complex PLMN equivalence declarations, as devices can immediately obtain the necessary credentials through the repository using their existing public network connectivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless devices use public communication networks from different operators, then service coverage is expanded, but there are no common identifiers for authentication between the public network and NPN
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by creating a credential repository that serves as a common authentication mechanism for all wireless devices regardless of which public communication network operator they use. The repository stores NPN credentials in a standardized format that can be accessed by devices from different operators, thereby providing universal authentication compatibility while maintaining the ability to serve diverse customers across multiple networks.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect there is provided a method of operating a wireless device (102) that is connected to a public communication network (104). The method comprises receiving (1201), from a first server (106), network information relating to a non-public network. NPN (108), that is to be used by a service provider to provide a service to the wireless device (102), wherein the network information comprises a network identity of the NPN (108) and a credential for the NPN (108); following occurrence of a trigger, performing (1203) a network search for a network having the received network identity; connecting (1205) to the NPN (108); and authenticating (1207) to the NPN (108) using the received credential.