System and method for distributing wireless network access parameters

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to wireless communications, and more particularly to a system and method for providing access parameters for a wireless communication network for receiving the user terminal via another communications network.

BACKGROUND

Conventional wireless local area network (wireless LAN) typically includes an Access Point (AP), which is connected via a wired connection to a network based on Internet Protocol (IP-network). Mobile user terminals (TA), such as a laptop, personal digital assistant (Personal Digital Assistant, PDA) or a multi-mode cellular phone, in wireless communication with the AP. TD acts as a bridge between the wired LAN (IP-network) and wireless LAN, allowing TP to communicate over the Internet. Wireless LAN, generally conforming to standard IEEE 802.15 and Bluetooth, provide the ability to communicate with the TS TD approximately 100 feet. Wireless LAN is generally compliant IEEE 802.11, providing the opportunity to communicate with a TP TD at a distance of about 150 meters.

Therefore, for the conservation relation during movement TA it may get access to a new wireless LAN or other APs in the same wireless LAN. To do this requires changing the TP information of wireless LAN, which are generally based on service areas and TD. In practice, the ability of the TP to quickly access the WLAN limits occupied zone wireless LAN and ensures the provision of services.

One of the traditional solutions for access problems lay in the fact that users of the wireless LAN manually introduced into your TA WLAN access information related to frequently used service areas, such as their home, office, local cafe. This wireless LAN access information may include setting information DT, relating to a wireless LAN, and information relating to TCP / IP. When the user moves from one area to another, he may manually select this preloaded registration information TA from the memory and use it for registration with the adjacent APs.

For example, a TA may be preloaded regional registration information for the various wireless LAN, which could potentially be accessed. Regional information recorded in the TS includes setting information to be used in the regional TD, as well as any network setting information TS adapted to access the AP. The validity of the registration information of wireless LAN can be displayed on the display TA, or way this information can be displayed as an icon. The user interface allows a user to select a particular set of wireless LAN access information relating to the area in which the user is in the current time.

Although this method preloading registration information eliminates the need of manual information input to zero, it is inconvenient that the user must go through a stage precharge data and the user has to perform the step of selecting the registration information manually. Furthermore, this method is useless if the user needs to access the AP or the wireless LAN for which the registration information has not been pre-loaded. In addition, even if the user decides to preload the registration information, this method utilizes memory resources are often limited in portable devices.

It would be helpful if the TA can access the wireless network automatically, without the need for manual information input or save login information in non-volatile memory in the TA.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

For the hot-spot (AP) Wireless LAN, the user must have the appropriate login information, such as a password setting. Instead of manually entering registration information, or preload in the TA registration information, the present invention provides a database access information to which access can be made from an alternative network, to provide the required registration information.

When TA is close to the AP, it can detect the address of the media access controller (Media Access Controller) (hereinafter - MAC-address) and the identifier (ID) network associated with this AP. TA then queries the database access parameters (server parameters) to receive the registration information necessary for accessing the TA TD. Registration information can include a cryptographic key. Cryptographic key information is relatively easy to maintain and update, if it is contained in a central repository. TP is not burdened with the task of permanent storage of registration information. Moreover, secure access is supported via the communication link used to communicate with the database access parameters. For example, network security procedures are effective and accepted. If TA communicates with the database access settings via the cellular network, it is unlikely that cryptographic keys are compromised wireless LAN.

Accordingly, a method is provided for distributing wireless network access parameters in the TA multi-mode communications. The method comprises the steps of: establishing a communication link between the TA and the first communication network (e.g. cellular network); performing access to the parameters server via the first network; charged with the access parameters for a second wireless communication network (eg, WLAN); and using the downloaded access parameters to set up a wireless link between the TA and the second communication network.

The downloaded access parameters may include information related to the AP wireless LAN, such as a cryptographic key, service set identifier (Service Set Identifier (SSID)), assignment of traffic channel parameters optimization, including transmit power, setting the quality of service ( Quality of Service, QoS) and operating mode. Alternatively, execution server access parameters via the first communication network may include: assignment ID, associated with TA, and execution of access to a database defining the cross-references ID TA to parameters such as QoS, IP-address, gateway information, mask subnet information domain name server (Domain Name Server, DNS), or geographic location.

Further aspects of the above-described method and a system for distributing wireless network access parameters are given in more detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

1 - block diagram of a system for distributing wireless network access parameters;

Figure 2 - a block diagram illustrating an example of server parameters;

Figure 3 - a block diagram illustrating a specific embodiment of the system of Figure 1;

Figure 4 - diagram of a method for distributing wireless network access parameters in a multi-mode communication TA;

Figure 5 - diagram of a method for allocating network access parameters in the IEEE 802.11 communication TA multimode.

Detailed description

1 is a block diagram of a system for distributing wireless network access parameters. System 100 comprises a multi-mode TA 102. TA 102 includes a first subsystem 104 to set the line 106 connection 102 between TA and the first communication network 108 and downloading access parameters for the second communications network 110. Those skilled in communications will appreciate that the first subsystem comprises a transceiver circuit 104, modulation / demodulation processing (not shown). The second subsystem 112 establishes wireless communication link 114 between the TP 102 and the second communication network 110, using the access parameters have been loaded into the first subsystem 104. Similarly, the second subsystem 112 includes components such as a transceiver circuit, modulation / demodulation and processing ( not shown). In addition, the first and second subsystems 104 and 112 may have a common processing logic and memory (not shown).

Server 116 has an interface parameter is connected to the first network 108 through line 118 for providing the second network access parameters. In one aspect, the first subsystem 104 downloads access parameters for the second communications network 110 associated with the wireless terminal 120 of the second network. For example, the first subsystem 104 may perform the access to the parameters server 116, providing a MAC-address or network ID associated with the base terminal 120 of the second communication network. This MAC-address information is information that is obtained in a conventional process, wherein the second subsystem 112 monitors range radio broadcasted signals and to relay information received during the monitoring, the second subsystem 104. Then, the first subsystem 104 accesses the server 116 parameters, No cross-link MAC address to parameters required to access the base terminal 120. Alternatively, the first subsystem 104 may receive IP-address associated with the base terminal 120 and the IP-information is used to cross-link access parameters to the base terminal 120.

2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of server parameters. Some examples of the types of information that can be downloaded include cryptographic key service set identifier (Service Set Identifier (SSID)), destination traffic channel, data configuration protocol WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) and optimization parameters such as transmit power , reception power, transmission rate setting QoS (Quality of Service, QoS) and operating mode. This list is not intended to fully cover all possible types of registration information, which can be potentially used for quick installation link between the second communication network and TP.

In yet another aspect, the first subsystem accesses the parameters server by providing the ID, associated with the TA. The server includes a parameter file that defines the cross-references TA ID to the parameters associated with the TS, such as QoS, IP-address, gateway information, subnet mask, Domain Name Server information (Domain Name Server, DNS) and geographic location.

Referring to Figure 1, the first communication network 108 may be a network of Ethernet, IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.15, Bluetooth, WiMax, network code division multiple access (Code Division Multiple Access, CDMA), a cellular telephone network, a Global System for Mobile Communications (Global System for Mobile Communications, GSM) and Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System, UMTS). Although the present invention is not limited to the three types of networks, these types are networks which can be used for the multi-TA access parameters to the server 116 via IP-based network 124. It is noted that not necessarily, the first network 108 communicates with TP 102 via the wireless medium. That is, the communication line 106 may be a wired link. The second network 110 may be a network of IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, WiMax, IEEE 802.15, or a cellular telephone network. Again, this list is not a complete list of all possible networks, rather it is a list of examples of networks that can not be used TP before the options will be granted access to these TAs.

3 is a block diagram illustrating a specific embodiment of the system of Figure 1. In this example, the first subsystem 104 is a cellular subsystem which establishes a connection 106 to the cellular telephone network 108. This link is used to load the cryptographic key for a second network connection 110, which may be the network IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, WiMax, or IEEE 802.15, which herein is referred to as a wireless LAN. Cryptographic key wireless LAN may be a 64- or 128-bit code, for example. The functionality of the protection network are generally accepted and reliable enough. Consequently, we can assume that the access to the parameters server 116 and the distribution of cryptographic keys are controlled by the wireless LAN. This assumption may not be valid if the access to the server 116 parameters allowed the other, less secure networks.

For example, if the second network 110 is a network of IEEE 802.11, then the downloaded cryptographic key can be used to set a communication link with AP 120 802.11. The system 112 monitors the WLAN IEEE 802.11 network 110 and detects the MAC-address or network ID (or both of them) are associated with the AP 120. The cellular subsystem 112 provides the MAC address of the AP-ID and network server 116 via the cellular network parameters 108 and downloads a cryptographic key associated with the controlled TD 120.

Referring to Figure 1, in another aspect, not shown, the second communication network 108 may be a cellular network. In this aspect, the first network 108 (i.e., Ethernet or a wireless LAN) can be used to download the identification information (e.g., subscriber identity module (Subscriber Identification Module, SIM)) for the cellular subsystem 112. Alternatively, the electronic serial number (Electronic Serial Number, ESN) is a number used to identify an individual device, or a hardware component. ID Mobile Equipment (Mobile Equipment ID, MEID) is also a device identifier. The international mobile subscriber identity (International Mobile Subscriber Identity, IMSI) is a number used to identify a subscriber (phone number) in a cellular network. Mobile identification number (Mobile Identity Number, MIN) is a ten-digit number previously used in North American networks, and was then replaced by IMSI. Potentially may use other types of identifiers, assuming that they were known as TA and the network. This methodology will be useful to initialize the cell phones that are shipped from the factory without identifiers, so that the process can be executed by the user or automatically at home in customer service telephone operator.

In another aspect of trust established between TA and the first network can be used to confirm the identity of the called party TP. If the first network is a cellular telephone network, it can be installed a high level of confidence, since network security procedures are well established. Access settings for the second network can be loaded on the basis of confirmation of subscriber identity in the TP network.

For example, a subscriber is assigned to a mobile phone number as a result of opening an account with your network operator. 802.11 Service may be provided by your wireless LAN in different places of the city. When the user subscribes to the service provider for the wireless LAN, it can transmit the wireless LAN mobile number TP, in which wireless LAN provider builds a cross reference to the caller ID in a wireless LAN. Thus, if the subscriber must get a new AP in a wireless LAN, the mobile number can be used as a security feature in obtaining parameters for a new AP.

The same wireless LAN server that provides access information, can utilize the cellular network to confirm the identity of the called party TP. That is, the wireless LAN server can use the cell phone number that is associated with a subscription telephone network, as additional certification of the person requesting access information. To deliver this information, the server can use the wireless LAN service, which are indexed using a phone number.

For example, a wireless LAN server can call the mobile phone number and make sure that answered the phone user is a valid subscriber. This authentication can be performed through a data channel (packet data channel), which is already used in a voice call, querying the access parameters. Another option is the use of the channel a short message service (Short Message Service, SMS). The server can transmit a wireless LAN access settings in an SMS to a mobile phone number. A third option would be to use data services network to perform an incoming call to the mobile information TP.

Functional Description

4 is a flowchart of a method for distributing wireless network access parameters in a multi-mode communication TA. Although the method is shown for clarity, as a sequence of numbered steps, this numbering does not determine the order of the steps. It should be understood that some of these steps may be skipped, performed in parallel, or performed without the need to maintain a strict order of sequence. The method begins at step 400.

In step 402, establish a communication link between TA and the first communication network. In step 404 accesses the parameters server via the first network. In step 406 loads the second wireless access communication network. In step 408, using the downloaded access parameters to establish a wireless link between the TA and the second communication network.

In one aspect, the loading of the access parameters for the second communications network in Step 406 includes loading information such as cryptographic keys, SSID, traffic channel assignment, WEP setting information and parameters optimization. Optimization parameters may include transmit power, receive power, transfer rate, QoS settings or operating mode.

In another aspect, attaching link between TA and the first communication network in Step 402 includes setting the link to the first communication network, such as network Ethernet, IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.15, Bluetooth, WiMax, or a cellular telephone network. In yet another aspect, attaching link between TA and the second network connection in step 408 includes setting the link to the second communication network, such as network IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, WiMax, IEEE 802.15, or a cellular telephone network.

In one aspect of performance of the access to the parameters server via the first communication network in Step 404 includes substeps. In step 404a provide MAC-address associated with a second network base terminal. In step 404b perform access to a database that defines a cross-link MAC address to parameters required to access the base terminal.

In yet another aspect, the execution of the access parameters to the server through a first communication network at step 404 includes alternate substeps. In step 404c provided the identifier (ID), related to the TP. In step 404d accesses the database, defining cross-references TP ID to parameters such as QoS, IP-address, gateway information, subnet mask, DNS information, and geographic location.

In one example, in step 402 establish a communication link with a cellular telephone network, step 406 is charged with a cryptographic key for a second network, which may be the network IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, WiMax, or IEEE 802.15. Next, in step 408 using the cryptographic key to establish a link between the substations and the second network.

In one aspect, attaching link between TA and the first communication network in Step 402 includes installation of a communication link with a cellular telephone network, and the method comprises the further step. At step 403, confirms the identity of the called party TP in response to setting the link between the substations and the cellular network. Thus, downloading access parameters for the second communications network in Step 406 includes downloading access parameters in response to the confirmation of the identity of the called party TP. For example, step 406 may download access parameters via a channel as a channel packet data cellular network, SMS channel of the network or an incoming data call TA network. All these processes automatically download confirm the identity of the subscriber on the basis of TA trust established between the TA and the cellular network.

5 is a flowchart of a method for distributing IEEE 802.11 access parameters in a multi-mode communication TA. In this example, at step 401a monitors network IEEE 802.11. In step 401b detected MAC-address and network ID associated with an AP. In step 402, establish a communication link between the substations and the cellular telephone network. At block 404 provides parameters MAC-address TA and the network ID to the parameters server via the cellular network. At step 406, cryptographic key loaded for controlled APs, and IEEE 802.11 network in step 408 using the cryptographic key to establish a link between the substations and the access point (AP) IEEE 802.11.

Provided a system and method for distributing wireless network access parameters in the context of the multi-TA. Details of the specific network parameters, identifiers and security protocols presented above to facilitate explanation of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to these details. Those skilled in the art will appreciate other variations and embodiments of the present invention.