WLAN AUTHENTICATION ACCESS CONTROL

Authentication control for devices within a cellular network is provided. The authentication between a device and an authenticating entity within the cellular network allows the device to access a non-cellular network via one or more access points. Information is obtained about a load caused by the devices located within a cell or cell group performing authentication. If it is determined that the load requires to be controlled, the cellular network controls performance of the authentication by a set of the devices. An indication that performance of the authentication by a device must be controlled is received and performance of the authentication by the device is controlled based on the indication. An identity of a cell or group of cells providing coverage in an area where an access point is located is included within a field of a RADIUS or DIAMETER message, forwarded by the access point to an authenticating entity.