Service authorization in a Wi-Fi network interworked with 3G/GSM network

Abstract

An authorization system and method for accessing networks. In one example class of embodiments, the APN (access point name) mechanism of GPRS/UMTS networks is extended to provide service authorization in an interworked WLAN. Example implementations include an external mapping function, and population of an existing authorization database of user profiles and APNs (such as a home location registry) with a global authorization indicator. The global authorization indicator is also preferably stored on a server or node that has authorization functions, which cross references with the user's subscriber profile to determine if WLAN authorization is proper. These innovations permit re-use of the subscriber profile database to perform WLAN authorization without requiring modifications to the 3GPP specifications of the nodes involved.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.