Communication network, subscriber device and method

The present invention generally relates to communication networks, user devices and methods, and particularly to the use of Internet web technology to register consumers with wireless access.

The present invention was filed on November 2, 1999 under the name "CELLULAR WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS SYSTEM USING SPREAD SPECTRUM AND INTERNET PROTOCOL (IP)", and the US patent application No. 1 published in the same form in European Patent Gazette EP1098539. Related to 09 / 432,824.

The application discloses a cellular wireless internet access system operating in a bandwidth of 2 GHz to provide high data rates for fixed form wireless users. Such users connect to nearby base stations, which communicate with an integrated network control unit that is later connected to the Internet. The implementation of such radios involves access networks of the UMTS (Universal Mobile Phone Service) and its subset UTRAN (Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network) standards.

In order to obtain a service in a cellular wireless network of the same type as described above, a sales representative at a retail store typically obtains consumer information, credit history, and the like. This information is used to create an account with the cellular service provider and the consumer information is stored in the service provider's home location register (HLR) or other consumer database. A SIM (Subscriber Identification Mode) card is associated with an account and is located within a cellular terminal (typically a mobile phone or wireless internet device).

However, both of the above techniques are cumbersome, require intervention by the retailer or network service provider, and result in a time delay before new consumers can use the service. Therefore, it is desirable that the user can self-register so that the Internet service can be accessed by the wireless system as described above.

<p><nplcit num="1"><text>Tetsuya Mizutani, Contracting with a provider to prepare a PC connection environment, Nikkei PC21, Volume 3, No. 6, Nikkei BP, pp. 172-176, May 1, 1998</text></nplcit><nplcit num="2"><text>Publication 2: Using pre-installed software Subscribe to computer communication online, learn from the basics Computer utilization course 5 E-mail edition, Nikkei BP Mook, Nikkei BP, pp. 50-53, August 1, 1998</text></nplcit><nplcit num="3"><text>Mastering PC Communication, YOMIURI PC, Volume 2, Issue 2, Yomiuri Shimbun, pp. 12-31, February 1, 1997</text></nplcit></p>

<p> An object of the present invention is to provide a communication network and a user device that can reduce the time delay before a new consumer can use a service.</p>

<figref num="1">The block diagram of the Internet system which shows this invention.</figref><figref num="2A">The flowchart which shows the operation of this invention.</figref><figref num="2B">The flowchart which shows the operation of this invention.</figref>

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of registering a user in a wireless internet access system.

A second aspect of the invention provides a wireless user equipment arrangement for use with a radio access network system.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a radio access network system is provided.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program element having computer program means for performing a user registration function in a radio access network system.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a wireless user device (UE) typically having a directly attached antenna, where each user has a personal computer (PC) and each user wirelessly communicates with a cellular network controller. To use. The user obtains the user device with a magnetic or optical storage means (CD) having the prescribed software used for registration. Wizards in the given software control the PC and the wireless user equipment connected to it.

Under the direction of the wizard in the PC, the subscriber terminal is commanded to communicate wirelessly with the wireless network. Because consumers are pre-registered with the Radio Access Network Operator, they are only allowed to be anonymous subscribers on the network and only to communicate with the Network Operator's registered web server. This is accomplished using a special "new user" ID and a pre-programmed password on the CD. A communication session is established between the PC, user equipment, and network operator's registered web server (via wireless access), and credit cards and other personal details and the type of service required are entered. The registered web server contains a list of available ISPs that can be accessed by the system. This list will be used for later access after registration is complete. The user enters a preferred user ID, and if this user ID is accepted by the registration server, the consumer is assigned a user ID and password, and the same information is given to the PC and access network operator's home location register (accepted). Transferred to (including consumer database). The subscriber is then authorized to use the network, establishes a normal connection to a possible ISP (Internet Service Provider) for the Internet session on the wireless network, and any part of the Internet authorized by that ISP. Can be accessed.

Referring to FIG. 1, two users of the Internet access system are located at 21 and 22, where the user equipment 21'and 22'known as user equipment (UE) are RS232, USB or Ethernet (registered). Connected to a computer with a typical data connection using Trademark) (R). The personal computer has a CD drive, or a special compact disk that contains software including a wizard (ie, an educational system procedure for registration), or a similar media input device on which similar media are placed. .. Both UEs and CDs are obtained and purchased at some retail store or by mail. In either case, both the CD and the UE are at the user.

As described in the above application, the radio access UE21 and 22 users have a number of radio techniques (specific new techniques are described in the above application), as indicated by the Integrated Network Control Unit (INC) 24 and symbol 23. ) Is part of the UMTS / UTRAN system that communicates wirelessly. Such controls may be connected by wire or otherwise to the Internet Protocol (IP) network 31. As described in the pending application, the integrated network control unit 24 controls and allocates wireless network resources, the base station (described in the above pending application) and the user equipment (UE), and finally the integrated network control unit 24. Includes an RNC, or wireless network control unit 26, that reliably conveys user traffic to and from. The SGSN (Serving General Packet Radio Service Support Node) 27 controls the session and provides a connection to the access operator RADIUS authentication server 34, and finally the LAC (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol Access Concentrator) 28 Provides gateway functionality for Internet Service Provider (ISP) 40 and registered servers. Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol Network Server (LNS) 30 terminates the communication tunnel from the LCA through the IP network. The access operator RADIUS authentication server 34 supports the Home Location Register (HLR) function (described in the pending application above). The access operator registration server 36 provides equipment for new users to register.

The integrated network control unit 24 indicates that the "RADIUS" client 29 is included. As described above, RADIUS is a system including software that supports centralized access control to Internet access, which is conventionally used when access to the Internet is via the public switched telephone network. A description of RADIUS is provided by RFC 2138 Remote Authentication Dial-in User Service (RADIUS), published by C. Rigney, in April 1997, available from the website WWW.IETF.ORG.

In all communications through the Internet Protocol network 31 of the user device 21 or 22, authentication is performed by the user device (UE) signaling consumer radio access credentials sent by air to the integrated network control unit 24. , This integrated network control queries the RADIUS server authentication server for the user ID (identification) and temporary password, as indicated by the dotted line 41. The RADIUS server used is the access operator's RADIUS authentication server 34 that communicates with the integrated network control over an IP network that uses the UDP / IP protocol with an additional layer of protocol for security.

For new users, the "new user" ID and temporary password pre-programmed in the CD software are signaled to the access operator RADIUS authentication server 34 via INC24. The access operator RADIUS authentication server 34 recognizes the user as a "new user" and communicates a set of protocol filters to INC24, resulting in a PPP (point-to-point protocol) session with Layer 2 tunneling protocol link 32. It is set between the user's PC and the access operator registration server 36 via and prohibits the user from accessing any other service. The access operator registration server 36 is connected to the subscriber's account management and billing system 37.

Therefore, the above description constitutes an anonymous session link that allows a general or unauthenticated user to still access the wireless access operator registration server for the purpose of new user registration. The attached figure shows various paths. The licensed operator 33 for UMTS access supplies to special servers 34 and 36 and to billing system 37.

The flowchart shown in FIG. 2 appropriately describes the operation shown in the block diagram of FIG. After initiation, in step 1, the user purchases a CD with the equipment defined as the user equipment (UE) and the appropriate software and wizard procedures installed. A manual is also provided. The CD contains the required software drivers as well as the installed software. When a user purchases these, the user's address may be verified with respect to the service area through the user's zip code (zip code) or other geographic information. All this information may be provided by internet web access.

In stage 2, the user equipment is connected to the PC. This connection may be USB, Ethernet® (R), RS232, etc., as shown in FIG.

In stage 3, the user equipment is installed on the PC. This is done through wizard software and supports any connection interface identified, namely RS232, USB, or Ethernet® (R). Steps 3a and 3b are preventive confirmations. In stage 3a, the UE installation software verifies that the modem is properly connected and operational. If there is no return due to the incorrect process installation indicated by step A, a cell search is performed in the next step 3b. Here, the quality of the signal received by the user equipment is measured and reported to the user through an installed wizard. At this time as well, if the signal quality is inferior, the process returns to the start. In fact, registration is not possible.

In stage 4, the modem sends the new user ID and temporary password to the UE under standard "attention" (AT). Then in step 5, the UE airs this credentials to RNC26, which is sent to RADIUS clients 29 and SGSN27, which SGSNs to RADIUS server 34 for the "new user" ID and temporary "new user" password. Inquire. In stage 6, the RADIUS server 34 approves the traffic for this particular registration session and responds with a set of protocol filters that should be delivered to the SGSN 27. The protocol filter prohibits this user from accessing any Internet service or site other than the designated registration server 36. The RADIUS server enumerates ISPs, in this case network access operators, to connect to UMTS access operator 33 and registered web server 36.

Next, in step 7, the layer 2 tunneling protocol access concentrator 28 in the wireless network control unit 24 sets up a communication tunnel to the LNS30, as shown by the dashed line 32 in FIG. 1, and PPP (point-to-point). Protocol) Waits for a connection request. In stage 8, the PC "dial device" software is continued to initiate a PPP session, which is sent to the LNS via the Layer 2 tunneling protocol for authentication. In step 9, the LNS terminates the various protocols used within the PPP to set up the connection and enables the dial-up "new user" user ID and password sent over the PPP. This involves a second query to the RADIUS server 34 displayed by road 41.

In step 10, once the dialing device is connected to the personal computer, or PC, through PPP, the installation wizard activates the PC's web browser and downloads the registration web page from the registration web server 36. Next, in step 11, the user is prompted to enter a preferred user ID, password, credit card item, personal item, and type of service required. A list of possible ISPs supported by the access operator, as well as their specific registration software, if necessary, is provided. Information on the types of services available is provided through the registration web page. In step 12, the user enters the appropriate data, "clicks to send", and then the information is sent to the registration server. In step 13, the registration server verifies the information entered (including credit card authentication if necessary) and generates a registered password. If the requested user ID has already been assigned, the user will be prompted to enter a new user ID, given the option. In step 14, the user is notified of successful registration through a web page downloaded from the registered web server 36, including the username and registered password, and the RADIUS server 34 is the appropriate user for wireless access. Updated with information and selected username and password. All of these are stored on your PC for future use. Finally, at stage 15, the registered internet session is terminated.

The user may be registered with the access operator assuming that the credit confirmation has been completed and normal internet wireless access may be required in the new session.

In the case of the present invention, the new consumer user device (UE) sends identification information, which is a "new user" ID and a "new user" password, when requesting a connection to a radio access network. This is obtained with a special anonymous connection. Moreover, as mentioned above, connections are appropriately restricted through protocol filters.

Therefore, the consumer may purchase each user device from a retail retailer. Consumers will be able to connect their devices to their personal computers and use them to gain internet access to register themselves and create accounts online. This user-initiated registration is possible using the web-based Internet registration process described above.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the disclosed invention will be listed by way of example.

[Section 1] A method of registering a user in a radio access network system. (a) The stage of establishing an anonymous communication session in which the user communicates with the network via a wireless user device using a predetermined temporary ID and a predetermined temporary password. (b) The stage where the system authenticates the predetermined temporary ID and the predetermined temporary password, and establishes a point-to-point protocol link between the user and the registered server device depending on the authentication. , (c) When the user completes registration with the registration server device, (d) A method having a step in which the registered server device sends a registered ID and a registered password to the user, which the user will later use to access the system.

[Section 2] The above-mentioned step (a) and the above-mentioned step (c) are carried out by the above-mentioned user executing a predetermined software program on a computer to which the above-mentioned user equipment is connected, and the above-mentioned step (d) is described above. The method according to paragraph 1, further comprising storing the registered ID and the registered password in the computer.

[Section 3] The method according to paragraph 2, wherein the software program resides on a portable data carrier inserted into the computer.

[Section 4] The method according to paragraph 1 or 2, wherein the step (c) comprises sending information about a desired service provider to the registered server device by the user.

[Section 5] The method according to paragraph 4, further comprising a step in which the registration server device sends information to the user to register with the desired service provider.

[Section 6] The method according to any one of Items 1 to 5, wherein the system is a cellular wireless Internet access system.

[Section 7] The method according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, wherein the registered server device has a server operating according to the RADIUS standard.

[Section 8] The method according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, wherein the user device is portable and the registration can be performed without requiring a prior registration procedure.

[Section 9] The method according to any one of items 1 to 8 in which the above system is a UMTS system.

[Section 10] A wireless user device used with a wireless access network system. With wireless user equipment It has a data carrier that holds a software program that runs on a computer to establish an anonymous communication session through a temporary ID and temporary password. A device that allows a user to register by the method described in any one of items 1 to 9 without requiring a prior registration procedure.

[Section 11] A wireless access network system that enables registration without prior registration procedures. Anonymous communication session support unit that enables users to establish an anonymous communication session that communicates with a network through a wireless user device using a predetermined temporary ID and a predetermined temporary password. Authenticate the predetermined temporary ID and the predetermined temporary password to establish a point-to-point protocol link with the user depending on the authentication, thereby completing the registration of the user and completing the registration of the user. , A system having a registration server device that sends a registered ID and a registered password used by the user so that the user can access the system thereafter.

[Section 12] The system according to paragraph 11, wherein the registered server device is arranged to receive information related to a desired service provider from the user.

[Section 13] The system according to paragraph 12, wherein the registration server device is further arranged to send information for registration with the desired service provider to the user.

[Section 14] The system according to any one of paragraphs 11 to 13, which is a cellular wireless Internet access system.

[Section 15] The system according to any one of paragraphs 11 to 14, wherein the registered server device has a server operating according to the RADIUS standard.

[Section 16] The system according to any one of paragraphs 11 to 15 which is a UMTS system.

[Section 17] A computer program element having a computer program means for carrying out a user registration function in the radio access network system according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 8.

[Section 18] New Wireless Internet Access with Personal Computer (PC) Activates the cellular wireless internet access system as part of the internet network, including consumer / user registration, with each of the above users wirelessly with an integrated network control unit. A method of utilizing a portable user device with a directly attached antenna to communicate. The stage in which the user obtains the user equipment together with a magnetic storage means such as a CD having the predetermined software and data used in the registration. The stage of connecting the terminal to the PC, installing the CD to the PC, and having the wizard in the predetermined software control the PC and the user equipment connected to the PC. Under the instruction of the wizard in the PC, the user device is only with the predetermined registered web server through the authentication of the temporary ID of the predetermined "new user" and the password of the "new user" stored in the CD. It has a stage of being commanded to communicate wirelessly using an anonymous communication session that allows it to communicate, If successfully authenticated, a point-to-point protocol will be set up between the PC and the user equipment connected to it and the registered web server, and the credit card, other personal information and the type of service required will be set. Entered, the above web server has a list of available (Internet service providers) ISPs and, if necessary, each registered software for download. If authorized by the server, the user is given a registered user ID and registered password, and the user ID and password are provided to the access operator authentication server as part of the Internet network. A method of then enabling a normal wireless internet connection with the above ISP for an authorized internet session using the consumer information obtained by registration.

[Section 19] The method of paragraph 18, wherein the server for the wireless internet access system operates according to the RADIUS standard, and the RADIUS is commonly used in a payphone switching network for dial-up internet access.

[Section 20] The method of paragraphs 18 and 19, wherein a portable wireless Internet user can register with a given wireless Internet access operator without applying for service at a retail retailer.