5G Lawful Interception NF Information via X1/X2 Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing 3GPP and ETSI specifications for 5G lawful interception (LI) in telecommunication networks lack detailed definitions for the interface between the System Information Retrieval Function (SIRF) and the Lawful Interception Provisioning Function (LIPF), particularly in managing dynamic Network Function (NF) instances and Point of Interception (POI) configurations, leading to potential information loss and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize existing ETSI X1 and X2 interfaces to obtain and manage information about NF instances and their status changes, including subscription to notifications, through the SIRF and LIPF, ensuring compatibility and automation in 5G networks, without requiring significant modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the existing 3GPP and ETSI specifications are used for 5G lawful interception, then backward compatibility and standardization are maintained, but detailed interface definitions for managing dynamic NF instances and POI configurations are lacking, leading to potential information loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary function that acts as a bridge between the SIRF and LIPF, enabling detailed information exchange about NF instances and POI configurations without requiring direct complex interfaces between these functions. This intermediary handles the subscription management and information routing, resolving the contradiction by providing comprehensive information exchange capabilities while maintaining interface simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the lawful interception system into distinct functional components with specialized responsibilities: SIRF for system information retrieval, LIPF for lawful interception provisioning, and an intermediary function for coordination. This segmentation allows each component to have simplified, well-defined interfaces while collectively achieving comprehensive information management, thus resolving the contradiction between information completeness and interface complexity.
2Productivity
If manual configuration methods are used for NF instances and POI, then system complexity is reduced, but information loss and inefficiencies occur in managing dynamic 5G network functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the intermediary function automatically subscribes to NF instance information from SIRF and pushes relevant data to LIPF without manual intervention. The system autonomously manages subscriptions, handles status change notifications, and coordinates information flow, thereby improving productivity while the automation complexity is contained within the intermediary layer rather than propagating throughout the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes feedback loops where the intermediary function continuously monitors NF instance status changes through subscriptions to SIRF and automatically updates LIPF with current information. This real-time feedback mechanism ensures that LIPF always has accurate, up-to-date information about NF instances and POI configurations, improving management efficiency while the feedback automation is localized to the intermediary function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive information exchange between SIRF and LIPF is implemented, then NF instance and POI configuration management is improved, but existing interface protocols require significant modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary function as a protocol translation layer that enables comprehensive information exchange between SIRF and LIPF without requiring modifications to existing standardized protocols. The intermediary handles the complex information exchange requirements internally while presenting standardized, compatible interfaces to both SIRF and LIPF, thus achieving high adaptability while maintaining ease of protocol implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediary function is designed as a universal component that can handle multiple types of information exchange scenarios: subscribing to NF instance lists, receiving status change notifications, and pushing information to LIPF. This multi-functional design allows the same intermediary implementation to support diverse NF instance management capabilities without requiring protocol modifications, achieving versatility through a single, adaptable component.
Data Source
AI summary
A lawful interception provisioning function, LIPF (113) and a system information retrieval function, SIRF (114), communicate with each other via the X1 and X2 protocols. The LIPF (113) obtains, from the SIRF (114), information pertaining to a network function, NF(107), which is an instance of a virtual network function, VNF, in a telecommunication 5network (100), where said information is unrelated to any LI target and any task associated with a point of interception, POI (135), in the NF (107).