5G Remote User Equipment Identification for SIM-Less Policy Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The 5G network architecture struggles to identify and manage remote user equipment lacking a subscriber identification module (SIM) card, hindering effective service management and policy control.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for identifying and controlling remote user equipment on the network side by using a session management device to generate policies based on remote user equipment identifiers, which are then delivered to a user plane function device for service control, including the use of temporary identifiers and protocol layers to facilitate communication and policy enforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the 5G core network uses traditional SIM card-based identification methods, then mobile user equipment can be effectively managed and controlled, but remote user equipment without SIM cards cannot be detected or managed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a session management device as an intermediary component between the control plane function and user plane function. This mediator receives registration requests from relay user equipment, generates temporary identifiers for remote user equipment, and manages the mapping between these identifiers and user equipment information, enabling the network to detect and manage SIM-less devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual identification system by generating temporary identifiers that copy the functionality of traditional SIM card identifiers. These temporary identifiers are assigned to remote user equipment and used for network recognition, authentication, and management, effectively replicating the identification mechanism for devices without physical SIM cards
2Reliability
If the network side cannot detect remote user equipment without SIM cards, then network architecture remains simple, but service management and policy control become impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network architecture by separating the identification and management functions into a dedicated session management device. This device handles temporary identifier generation, registration management, and policy delivery specifically for remote user equipment, while other network components continue to operate with traditional identification methods, thus adding complexity only where necessary
Solution Approach 2:
The session management device performs multiple functions: it manages temporary identifiers for remote user equipment, handles registration requests from relay equipment, delivers policies to user plane functions, and maintains information about remote user equipment. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into a single component that serves various management needs
3Ease of operation
If temporary identifiers are used for remote user equipment, then service access is enabled, but identifier management and tracking become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The session management device automatically generates temporary identifiers when relay user equipment submits registration requests, and automatically manages the lifecycle of these identifiers including assignment, tracking, and invalidation. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual identifier management and reduces operational complexity despite the increased number of identifiers in use
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application provide a method for identifying and controlling remote user equipment on a network side and a device. The method includes: receiving, by a session management device, an identifier of remote user equipment, and generating, based on the identifier, a policy related to the remote user equipment, where the policy includes the identifier of the remote user equipment; sending the policy to a user plane function device; and identifying, by the user plane function device, a packet of the remote user equipment based on the policy, and implementing policy control on the remote user equipment based on the policy. According to the method, the network side can be compatible with service access of the remote user equipment and can perform service management and policy control on the remote user equipment.