Network access control methods and apparatus

摘要

Methods and apparatus that provide user access control within wireless networks such as those having both fixed and portable nodes. In one embodiment, the network comprises a 3G cellular network or Interworking WLAN (iWLAN), and the portable nodes comprise Home Node B (HNB) base stations. The HNB is configured to authenticate new users, and provide network access while still maintaining user privacy. The portable nodes also may operate in a number of different operating modes which provide different functional control over user access. In one variant, an easy-to-use owner-assigned ID based access control mechanism with a reliable unambiguous user ID is utilized. Methods for providing access control across differing network architectures and protocols, such the aforementioned iWLAN, and business methods, are also described.

主权项

1. A method of providing network access to a user via a femtocell of said network, the method comprising:
providing a temporary identification to said femtocell, said temporary identification being associated with said user;
authenticating said user to a core network via said femtocell using at least said temporary identifier; transferring unencrypted unique International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) information associated with said user from said core network to said femtocell after said authentication of said user, wherein said unencrypted unique IMSI information of said user is previously known to said core network; and granting access of said femtocell to said user; wherein an operator of said femtocell is unable to access said unencrypted unique IMSI information;assigning an operator-generated identity to said user;
wherein said operator-generated identity is associated with said unencrypted unique IMSI information by said femtocell, and wherein said operator-generated identity is not created when said femtocell is in a closed operating mode, said closed operating mode preventing unknown users from gaining access to said femtocell.