AUSF Node Tracing User Equipment via Permanent Identifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication technologies in the 5G system lack efficient methods for tracing User Equipment (UE) based on its permanent equipment identifier, as they rely on subscriber identifiers and do not directly utilize equipment identifiers for tracing purposes.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an Authentication Server Function (AUSF) node that receives a tracing activation instruction and trace requirement data associated with a UE. Upon receiving a signaling message containing the UE's permanent equipment identifier, the AUSF node generates a trace record based on the trace requirement data, enabling tracing of the UE equipment identifier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If subscriber identifiers are used for tracing UE, then existing tracing functionality is maintained, but equipment identifier-based tracing capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges subscriber identifier-based tracing and equipment identifier-based tracing into a unified tracing framework. The AUSF node combines PEI information with subscription data from UDM, allowing both SUPI-based and PEI-based tracing to coexist and work together within the same authentication and tracing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The AUSF node is designed to perform multiple functions: it authenticates UEs using subscriber identifiers, traces UEs using equipment identifiers, and manages trace requirements. By making the AUSF multi-functional, the system gains equipment identifier tracing capability without compromising existing subscriber identifier-based tracing.
2Ease of operation
If trace requirement data is delivered from UDM to AMF, then subscription data delivery is maintained, but AUSF cannot access equipment identifier for tracing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the AUSF node as an intermediary that receives both trace requirement data from UDM (via AMF) and PEI information from authentication procedures. The AUSF acts as a mediator that combines these information sources, enabling equipment identifier-based tracing while preserving the existing UDM-AMF trace data delivery mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by obtaining PEI information during the authentication phase before tracing operations begin. The AUSF node prepares the equipment identifier data in advance during authentication, so that when tracing is activated, the PEI information is already available for immediate use.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tracing is activated based on permanent equipment identifier, then equipment tracing capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tracing functionality into distinct components: the AUSF node handles equipment identifier-based tracing, while the AMF and UDM continue to handle subscriber identifier-based tracing. This segmentation allows equipment tracing capability to be added without requiring complete system redesign, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method (100) in an authentication node for tracing a User Equipment, UE. The method (100) includes: receiving (110) a tracing activation instruction to activate tracing of the UE based on an equipment identifier of the UE; obtaining (120) trace requirement data associated with the UE; receiving (130) from a network node a first signaling message containing the equipment identifier of the UE; and generating (140) a trace record related to the UE based on the trace requirement data in response to receiving the first signaling message.