Authentication procedure

An apparatus comprising:

• at least one processor;
• and
• at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to:
• receive from a core network a message comprising an identity of a node connected to a user equipment (UE), and an authorization code associated with the UE;
• verify, based on the authorization code, whether the node is allowed to access, via the UE, an external network that is external to the core network;
• perform at least one authentication exchange with the node via the core network and the UE, and
• if the node is allowed to access the external network via the UE, and the authentication exchange is successful, transmit an indication of authentication success to the core network.

An apparatus comprising:

• at least one processor;
• and
• at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to:
• receive a request to open a protocol session to an external network that is external to a core network where the apparatus is comprised, the request identifying a user equipment (UE) of the core network;
• verify, based on subscription data associated with the UE, whether the UE is allowed to act as gateway toward the external network;
• if the UE is allowed to act as a gateway toward the external network, send an authorization code associated with the UE to an authentication server of the external network.