Harmonizing service and network provisioning for federative access in a mobile environment

Abstract

In this paper we propose an integrated platform to power the symbiosis between networks and services whilst supporting mobility of users. This platform is based on methods for authentication, authorization and payment of services in a roaming environment. Existing technologies are combined and enhanced to provide a blueprint for a platform to leverage the interaction of services with the underlying network. Traditionally, such functions as discovery, authentication and authorization exist in parallel for networks and for services, without any association between the systems. This rigid layered approach is abandoned in favour of one that is more integrated and allows these functions to be reused rather than duplicated. Payment is treated as an essential and inherent part of the architecture, in order to facilitate its commercialization and adoption.