US 8,478,266 B1Granted

Method and system for anonymous operation of a mobile node

AssigneeSprint Spectrum L.P.

InventorsTong Zhou, George Jason Schnellbacher

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Abstract

A mobile node and its home system generate synchronized time-based codes at periodic time intervals. Each time-based code is valid for a predetermined time period. To facilitate anonymous operation when roaming, the mobile node identifies itself with a coded identifier instead of a public identifier. The coded identifier used at a given time includes the time-based code that is valid for that given time. To authenticate the mobile node, a serving system receives authentication information from the mobile node and forwards the authentication information to a home system. The authentication information includes the current time-based code and a timestamp. The home system identifies the mobile node from the current time-based code and the timestamp. The home system then uses the authentication information to authenticate the mobile node.

Claims6

Dependent claims

A method for mobile node authentication, said method comprising:

storing a plurality of time-based codes for each of a plurality of time periods;
a home system receiving from a serving system a request to authenticate a mobile node, wherein said serving system is configured to provide a packet-data service to said mobile node, and wherein said authentication request includes authentication information provided by said mobile node, said authentication information including a coded mobile node identifier and a timestamp associated with said coded mobile node identifier;
said home system referring to those of said stored time-based codes that are valid for a time period that encompasses a time indicated by said timestamp and comparing said coded mobile node identifier to those time-based codes to find a matching time-based code;
and
said home system identifying said mobile node based on said matching time-based code;
said home system authenticating said mobile node;
and
said home system transmitting an authentication response to said serving system, said authentication response including a plurality of time-based codes that are valid for said mobile node for a plurality of future time periods.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.