5GC SUCI Authentication for LTE Data Services
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Solution Overview
Problem
LTE networks do not effectively utilize 5GNR Subscriber Concealed Identifiers (SUCIs) for authentication and Quality-of-Service (QoS) control for LTE user devices, leading to inefficiencies in data service delivery.
Innovation Solution
A Fifth Generation Core (5GC) Long Term Evolution (LTE) network authenticates user equipment using 5GC SUCIs, processing them to determine Subscriber Permanent Identifiers (SUPIs) and authentication vectors, which are then used for secure data service initiation and QoS management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If LTE networks use traditional authentication methods, then authentication is achieved, but 5GC SUCIs cannot be effectively utilized for authentication and QoS control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the 5GC SUCI to serve multiple functions: it is used for authentication of LTE user devices and simultaneously for QoS control. The MME extracts the 5GC SUCI from the authentication request and uses it to retrieve subscription information including QoS parameters, allowing a single identifier to fulfill both authentication and service quality control roles.
2Reliability
If LTE networks implement 5GC SUCI-based authentication, then authentication security is improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The MME acts as an intermediary that bridges the LTE authentication process with 5GC SUCI-based security. It receives the 5GC SUCI from the UE, extracts the necessary authentication information, retrieves subscription data from the 5GC, and performs the authentication verification. This intermediary approach allows LTE networks to leverage 5GC security mechanisms without requiring fundamental changes to the LTE architecture.
3Productivity
If LTE networks use 5GC SUCI for QoS control, then service quality differentiation is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network performs preliminary actions by retrieving and storing subscription information including QoS parameters in the MME before actual data service delivery. When a UE connects, the MME has already processed the 5GC SUCI and obtained the associated QoS profiles, enabling efficient QoS control during data transmission without real-time processing delays.
Data Source
AI summary
A Fifth Generation Core (5GC) Long Term Evolution (LTE) network authenticates a wireless User Equipment (UE) for LTE data service using a 5GC Subscriber Concealed Identifier (SUCI). A Mobility Management Entity (MME) receives the 5GC SUCI and transfers the 5GC SUCI to a 5GC authentication system. The 5GC authentication system determines a 5GC Subscriber Permanent Identifier (SUPI) and authentication vector based on the 5GC SUCI. The 5GC authentication system transfers the 5GC SUPI and the 5GC authentication vector to the MME. The MME exchanges 5GC authentication data with the UE. The MME authenticates the UE based on the 5GC authentication vector and the 5GC authentication data. In response to the 5GC authentication, the MME initiates the LTE data service for the UE based on the 5GC SUPI.