AN-IC Privacy Mediation for RIC Parameter Requests
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G access network technologies lack the ability to modify or anonymize sensitive data before it is received by RIC applications, potentially leading to user tracking and privacy breaches.
Innovation Solution
Implement an Access Network Intelligent Controller (AN-IC) with policy elements that allow for modifying or anonymizing data requests from interface nodes, such as E2 nodes, by applying behaviors like obfuscation, anonymization, or generating synthetic data to ensure privacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If RIC applications directly receive AN parameters from interface nodes, then RIC application functionality is improved, but user privacy is worsened due to potential tracking and privacy breaches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a security gateway as an intermediary component between the interface node and RIC application. This gateway intercepts parameter requests, applies privacy-enhancing transformations (anonymization, pseudonymization, aggregation, or suppression) to the AN parameters, and forwards the transformed parameters to the RIC application. This mediator approach allows the RIC application to maintain its functionality while preventing direct access to sensitive user data that could enable tracking or privacy breaches.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If sensitive data is anonymized or modified before reaching RIC applications, then user privacy is improved, but data accuracy and RIC application effectiveness may be worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic privacy enhancement where the security gateway selectively applies different transformation methods (anonymization, pseudonymization, aggregation, suppression) based on the specific parameter type, request context, and privacy policy rules. Not all parameters are transformed uniformly - the system dynamically determines the appropriate level and type of transformation for each parameter, preserving accuracy where possible while protecting privacy where necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The security gateway transforms parameters by changing their characteristics through four main methods: anonymization (removing identifying information), pseudonymization (replacing with fake identifiers), aggregation (combining multiple values), or suppression (completely removing sensitive parameters). These parameter changes enable privacy protection while maintaining the operational utility of the data for RIC applications.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If privacy enhancement mechanisms are implemented in the access network, then user privacy is improved, but system complexity is worsened due to additional components and processing
Solution Approach 1:
While the security gateway adds a component, it is positioned as a strategic intermediary at a specific point in the architecture (between interface node and RIC application) rather than distributing complexity throughout the entire system. This centralized mediation approach consolidates the privacy enhancement functionality in one location, making the system manageable despite the added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the system into distinct functional zones: the interface node that collects data, the security gateway that transforms data, and the RIC application that consumes transformed data. This segmentation allows each component to focus on its specific function, making the overall complex system more manageable through clear separation of concerns and defined interfaces between segments.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for enhancing privacy in an access network (AN) includes: sending, by an Access Network Intelligent Controller (AN-IC) to an interface node, a request for an AN parameter related to the interface node; receiving, by the AN-IC from the interface node, an interface node message containing the requested AN parameter; receiving, by the AN-IC from an AN-IC application, a further request for the AN parameter; and matching, by the AN-IC, the further request to a policy element based on the information contained in the further message request or interface node message.