Access Network License Validation Without Subscriber Data Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telecommunications networks lack a mechanism for RANOs to grant access to RAN resources without relying on subscriber data, as RANOs do not have access to subscriber information and NOs cannot share this data with them.
Innovation Solution
Implement a method for license-based Access Network (AN) access control by using AN license information elements that are validated independently of subscriber data, allowing UEs to request access to AN resources using these elements, which are verified by an AN license validator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If RANOs validate AN license information elements independently without subscriber data, then access control flexibility and subscriber privacy are improved, but the ability to ascertain UE access eligibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the access control function into two independent parts: (1) AN license validation by RANO based on frequency license information elements, and (2) subscriber authentication by NO based on subscription data. This segmentation allows RANO to perform access control independently without needing subscriber data, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces AN license information elements as an intermediary mechanism that carries frequency license validation information from the core network to the access network. This intermediary enables RANO to verify license validity independently while maintaining trust in the access control process, bridging the gap between independent validation and reliable access control.
2Measurement precision
If NOs share subscriber data with RANOs for access control, then access control accuracy is improved, but subscriber privacy and data security deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the frequency license validation function from the subscriber authentication process. RANO validates AN license information elements (frequency, area, time constraints) independently without accessing subscriber data. This extraction eliminates the need for NOs to share subscriber data with RANOs while maintaining access control accuracy through separate license validation.
3Measurement precision
If traditional subscriber-data-dependent access control is used, then access authorization accuracy is improved, but system complexity and data management requirements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments access control into independent license validation (RANO) and subscriber authentication (NO) functions. This segmentation simplifies the system by eliminating the need for RANO to access or process subscriber data, reducing data management complexity while maintaining authorization accuracy through separate validation mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for license-based Access Network (AN) access control independent of subscriber data in a telecommunications network includes: sending, by a user equipment (UE) to an AN, an AN resource request to use one or more AN resources; obtaining, by the AN from an AN license validator, validity information, the validity information indicating whether at least one AN license information element or at least one AN license derived information element is valid for an AN resource to which the UE is trying to attach; and based on an AN license information element or an AN license derived information element being valid for the AN resource to which the UE is trying to attach, allowing, by the AN, the UE to access the requested AN resource.