WLAN Router IP Translation for Local Service Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions do not allow 3GPP devices to access and utilize local service devices within Local Area Networks (LANs) at the IP level, leading to isolated network access for users, especially for visiting end users who cannot use local resources like printers or projectors without complex mobile core network interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A method and arrangement where a communication network node assigns a LinkLocal address to a wireless communication device, authenticates it with an Authentication and Authorization Service, and enables communication with local service devices by translating addresses, allowing access to local services without additional demands on the mobile operator or core network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If 3GPP devices use LIPA or SIPTO with local PDN-GW, then local service access is enabled, but device complexity and network complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a WLAN router as an intermediary device that performs IP address translation between the mobile device's public IP address and the local service device's private IP address. This intermediary approach enables local service access without requiring complex mobile core network interfaces like local PDN-GW, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If unregistered end users connect to WLAN, then Internet access is provided, but access to local service devices is denied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal access mechanism where the WLAN router's IP translation functionality applies to all connected devices regardless of their registration status. Both registered and unregistered users can access local services through the same IP translation process, making the system multi-functional in handling different user types uniformly.
3Reliability
If mobile operators control local APN for local traffic, then network security is maintained, but flexibility for visiting users is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network access control into two independent layers: the mobile network layer (handled by the mobile operator's authentication systems) and the local service layer (handled by the WLAN router's IP translation). This segmentation allows visiting users to access local services flexibly through the WLAN router without requiring the mobile operator to configure special local APN, thereby maintaining security while increasing flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A network node enables a wireless device to communicate with a local service device, such as a printer or a projector, of a Local Area Network (LAN) or Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). The network node is connected both to a communication network and to the LAN or WLAN. The method includes identifying a multicast Domain Name System (mDNS) request, where the mDNS request is received from the wireless device, and assigning a LinkLocal (LL)-address for the wireless device. The method retrieves a local IP-address of an Authentication and Authorization Service (AA-S) having authorization information regarding a local service device, and authenticates, with the AA-S which type of services, that the wireless device is authorized to use. A local IP-address of the local service device is retrieved, and service data is conveyed between the wireless device and the local service device, by applying the LL-address of the local service device.