Anonymous GRUU Generation for SIP User Agent Privacy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems using Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) signaling do not provide anonymity for user agents, particularly when a call is transferred from one user agent to another, as the identity of the user agent is revealed.
Innovation Solution
Generating and transmitting an anonymous Globally Routable User Agent URI (GRUU) or Anonymous Globally Routable User Agent URI (AGRUU) to user agents, ensuring that the identity of the user agent is not disclosed to third parties, by including an AGRUU-capable indication in SIP messages and using encryption algorithms to maintain anonymity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user agent's identity is disclosed to enable call transfers and routing, then routing capability is improved, but user agent anonymity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the user agent identifier into two distinct components: a public GRUU (Globally Routable User Agent URI) for routing purposes and an anonymous identifier for privacy protection. The GRUU contains the user's address of record and instance identifier for routing, while the anonymous identifier is a separate opaque value that does not reveal user identity. This segmentation allows the system to provide routing capability through the GRUU while maintaining anonymity through the separate anonymous identifier.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the user agent's true identity is hidden behind an anonymous identifier that acts as a mediator. When calls need to be transferred or routed, the system uses the anonymous identifier as an intermediate reference that can be manipulated (encrypted, randomized) without exposing the underlying user identity. This intermediary layer enables routing operations while preserving anonymity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If encryption algorithms are used to maintain anonymity, then privacy security is improved, but message complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the anonymous identifier through encryption and randomization operations. The anonymous identifier is encrypted using encryption algorithms and randomized using random value generation, changing its parameter state from plaintext to encrypted/randomized form. This allows the system to maintain anonymity while the encrypted parameter can still be processed by the system for routing decisions without revealing the underlying identity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If an anonymous GRUU is generated and transmitted, then user agent anonymity is maintained, but information about user identity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the identifying information from the user agent's contact details and separates it into a distinct anonymous identifier. The anonymous identifier is extracted from the original contact information and placed into the SIP message header, while the underlying user identity information remains separated and protected. This extraction allows the system to transmit routing information without transmitting identifiable user information.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, and an associated method, for generating and transmitting an anonymous GRUU, or other routing identifier, to identify a user agent in a communication system that utilizes SIP signaling. A user agent-generated message is generated that identifies a user agent-request for anonymous operation. And, a SIP registrar, or other network device, operates to provide an anonymous routing identifier that permits anonymous operation of the user agent to maintain privacy of its identity during communications.