Secure client authentication and service authorization in a shared communication network

摘要

Functionality for secure client authentication and service authorization in a shared communication network are disclosed. A managing network device of a communication network causes a securely connected client network device to perform an account authorization process with an accounting network device in parallel with a service matching process with the managing network device and one or more service providers of the communication network. The managing network device executes the service matching process and securely matches the client network device with one of the service providers. The accounting network device executes the account authorizing process with the client network device and provides a service voucher to the managing network device authorizing one or more of the service providers to service the client network device. The managing network device transmits the service voucher to the matched service provider to prompt the matched service provider to service the client network device.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
establishing, by a processor of a managing network device, a secure communication channel between a client network device and the managing network device of a communication network based, at least in part, on a client identifier of the client network device; determining, based at least in part on a service environment characteristic, a number of service matching messages to be transmitted during a service matching process, wherein the service environment characteristic includes at least one member of a group consisting of a number of cables, a number of cable harnesses, and a number of switch states; causing the client network device to perform an account authorization process with an accounting network device contemporaneously with the service matching process, wherein the service matching process includes determining a matching service provider based, at least in part, on a service matching message of the service matching messages; matching the client network device with the matching service provider; receiving a service voucher at the managing network device from the accounting network device authorizing the matching service provider to service the client network device; and transmitting the service voucher to the matching service provider to allow the matching service provider to service the client network device.