WLAN Session Control Using Device Type Identification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless local area networks (WLANs), it is challenging to differentiate between subscribing wireless devices and non-subscribing WLAN devices that use the same subscriber information, leading to issues such as incorrect traffic steering, limited access to services, and inaccurate billing, especially when non-subscribing devices lack cellular network access.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that enable a WLAN node or packet gateway to distinguish between subscribing and non-subscribing wireless devices by using unique identification information, such as a Boolean parameter or hardware identifier, to differentiate sessions and provide appropriate services based on the device type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If non-subscribing WLAN devices use the same subscriber information as subscribing devices to access the network, then network access is enabled for WLAN devices, but differentiation between device types becomes impossible leading to incorrect traffic steering and billing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the identification system by introducing device-type-specific parameters (such as device category indicators or capability flags) that divide the homogeneous subscriber information into distinct segments for subscribing and non-subscribing devices. This allows the network to recognize and differentiate device types while maintaining shared authentication credentials, resolving the contradiction between enabling WLAN access and ensuring accurate device identification.
2Ease of operation
If common subscriber information is used by both subscribing and non-subscribing devices, then authentication is simplified, but service differentiation and policy enforcement become limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary elements such as device-type indicators or capability parameters that act as mediators between the common subscriber information and the network's service differentiation requirements. These intermediaries carry additional information about device type without complicating the authentication process, enabling the network to apply different policies and services based on device category while maintaining simplified authentication.
3Reliability
If WLAN devices authenticate using subscribing device credentials, then connectivity is established, but accurate billing and traffic management cannot be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating device-type identification parameters during the initial authentication phase, before service delivery and billing processes begin. This ensures that device-specific information is captured and preserved from the outset, enabling accurate traffic management and billing decisions to be made based on the authenticated device's category, while maintaining reliable connectivity establishment.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus to initiate a session with a packet gateway for a connecting device configured to authenticate with a subscribing wireless device's authentication information. In some embodiments, an access node is configured to receive identification information uniquely identifying the connecting device, and based on the identification information received, provide a service to the connecting device and/or send a session request message to the packet gateway to establish a session for the connecting device, the session request message including information distinguishing the connecting device from another wireless device configured to authenticate with the authentication information associated with the subscribing wireless device.