WLAN Access Node for IMSI-less Device EPC Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems do not support devices without an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) accessing an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) network, limiting their ability to route data through the EPC network and complicating charging schemes for such devices.
Innovation Solution
A WLAN access node recognizes devices lacking an IMSI and generates authentication requests with subscriber identity information and access limits, allowing them to connect to the EPC network while specifying charging entities, enabling IMSI-less devices to access the EPC network and route data through it.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If devices without IMSI are allowed to access the EPC network, then network flexibility and routing options are improved, but authentication and charging complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The WLAN access node acts as an intermediary between IMSI-less devices and the EPC network. It generates authentication requests on behalf of devices lacking IMSI, using stored subscriber identity information associated with those devices. This intermediary function resolves the contradiction by enabling device access without requiring the device itself to have IMSI, thus maintaining network flexibility while managing authentication complexity at the access node rather than at each device.
Solution Approach 2:
Subscriber identity information is pre-stored in the WLAN access node for devices that lack IMSI. This preliminary action allows the access node to immediately generate valid authentication requests when such devices attempt to connect, without requiring real-time IMSI provisioning or complex device-side authentication procedures. The pre-stored information enables seamless authentication while keeping the solution simple and scalable.
2Ease of operation
If IMSI-less devices connect through the broadband network, then authentication is simpler, but network costs increase due to underutilized EPC infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The solution merges the authentication mechanisms of both broadband and EPC networks. IMSI-less devices can be authenticated using pre-stored subscriber information in the WLAN access node (simplifying authentication), while their traffic is routed through the EPC network (improving infrastructure utilization). This combination allows devices to connect without IMSI while still leveraging the EPC network's capabilities, thus resolving both the authentication simplicity and infrastructure efficiency concerns simultaneously.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the WLAN access node generates authentication requests for IMSI-less devices, then device connectivity is improved, but the access node's processing load increases
Solution Approach 1:
Subscriber identity information for IMSI-less devices is pre-stored in the WLAN access node before they attempt to connect. When a device connects, the access node simply retrieves the pre-stored information and generates the authentication request, rather than performing complex real-time authentication procedures. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces the processing load during actual connection events while maintaining full device connectivity capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Capillary network devices (i.e., IMSI-less devices) may connect to an EPC through a home WLAN. A WLAN can be configured by the homeowner to accept responsibility for the traffic or a WLAN can indicate to a network that it will allow the traffic if the traffic is sponsored by an application server or if it is compensated for the traffic by the network operator. Where an IMSI-less device has a business relationship with a network operator, a WLAN can allow the device to authenticate with the network and obtain a device identifier from the network. Where an IMSI-less device has a business relationship with a SCS that has a business relationship with the network operator, the WLAN can allow the device to authenticate with the network.