5G Proximity Discovery ID Provisioning Across PCF and ProSe
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assignment and utilization of Proximity Service Discovery UE Identifier (PDUID) in the 5G network architecture is not resolved, as the parameter providing function and discovery function are located in different network entities, unlike in the 4G ProSe standard.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus are provided to assign and utilize PDUID by the Policy Control Function (PCF) in the 5G network, involving receiving proximity service policy provision requests, providing proximity discovery parameters, and managing PDUID assignment and authentication processes across network entities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the parameter providing function and discovery function are located in different network entities (5G architecture), then the network architecture becomes more distributed and flexible, but the PDUID assignment and usage mechanism becomes complex and unresolved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the PCF as an intermediary entity that mediates between the UE and the ProSe Function for PDUID assignment. The PCF receives policy provision requests from the UE, generates or obtains the PDUID, and provides it to the UE through policy control messages, thereby resolving the complexity of direct interaction between distributed entities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the PDUID assignment process into distinct functional stages: (1) UE sends policy provision request indicating proximity service capability, (2) PCF processes the request and generates/obtains PDUID, (3) PCF provides PDUID to UE in policy control message, (4) UE uses PDUID for proximity service discovery. This segmentation makes the complex distributed process manageable and implementable.
2Ease of operation
If the PCF provides PDUID to UE directly, then the authentication process is simplified, but the ProSe Function's ability to manage discovery parameters is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic PDUID provisioning mechanism where the PCF can generate PDUIDs directly or obtain them from the ProSe Function based on policy decisions. The system dynamically adjusts the source and management of PDUIDs depending on network conditions and service requirements, allowing both simplified authentication and flexible parameter management.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCF performs preliminary actions by generating or obtaining the PDUID before the actual proximity service discovery process begins. The PDUID is provisioned to the UE in advance through the policy control procedure, so that when the UE needs to perform discovery, the identifier is already available, simplifying the authentication process while maintaining ProSe Function control over the overall parameter management.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for using a proximity discovery identification, and a storage medium, which assign the proximity discovery identification for a UE and how to use the proximity discovery identification under a 5G network architecture. The use method includes receiving a proximity service policy provision request message from a user terminal UE, and the proximity service policy provision request message is used for requesting to provide, for the UE, parameters required for performing proximity discovery; and providing a proximity discovery parameter to the UE according to the proximity service policy provision request message. The proximity discovery parameter includes the proximity discovery identification of the UE.