On-demand dynamically updated user database & AAA function for high reliability networks

Abstract

A method is provided for operating a wireless communication network (10) including a plurality of nodes (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e). Each of the nodes has a user database and is equipped to conduct authentication, authorization and accounting (AAA) functions for the network (10). The method includes employing a subset (optionally, two) of the plurality of nodes (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e) as active nodes. The active nodes use their respective user databases to conduct the AAA functions for the network (10). Changes to the user databases for the active nodes are logged to thereby update the same to reflect changes in information contained therein, and the user databases of the active nodes are synchronized. The active nodes are monitored to detect if one becomes disconnected from the network, and, if one of the active nodes becomes disconnected from the network, another of the plurality of nodes (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e) is employed as an active node.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.