Correlation Identity Number for Cross-Layer Data Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data retention and lawful interception systems face challenges in correlating communications data across different TCP/IP stack layers, leading to separate data transmission without the ability to link information across layers, which hinders effective data retrieval and analysis for law enforcement agencies.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where data retention and interception systems generate usage data records with a unique Communications Identity Number (CIN) for each communications session, allowing correlation of data across multiple stack layers, and sending these records to law enforcement agencies for comprehensive data analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If separate data transmission for each TCP/IP stack layer is used, then data structure simplicity is maintained, but the ability to correlate information across layers is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a correlation identity number as an intermediary element that bridges different TCP/IP stack layers. This identifier is inserted into data records from multiple layers (application, transport, network, data link) to enable their correlation without complicating the individual layer structures. The correlation identity acts as a mediator that links otherwise independent layer-specific data records.
2Loss of information
If data records include correlation identity numbers across all layers, then data correlation capability is improved, but data record complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the correlation mechanism by introducing a dedicated correlation identity number field that is separate from the layer-specific data content. This segmentation allows the correlation functionality to be added without fundamentally restructuring the existing layer-specific data formats. Each data record maintains its layer-specific structure while incorporating the additional correlation identifier.
3Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive communication data from multiple layers is collected, then investigation capability is enhanced, but data retrieval complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The correlation identity number serves as a mediator that simplifies data retrieval across multiple layers. By providing a unique identifier that appears in data records from different layers, the system enables efficient querying and correlation of comprehensive communication data without requiring complex cross-layer analysis procedures. Law enforcement agencies can use this identifier to retrieve and correlate data from multiple layers systematically.
Data Source
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AI summary
The method provides a Law Enforcement Agency LEA with retention or interception data related to a target user. At a data retention source node or at an interception control element of a telecommunications network, traffic packets involving the target user are inspected and a plurality of usage data records based on the inspected traffic packets are generated. Each record comprises information relating to a certain service class and to a respective communications stack layer. For each communications session involving a plurality of different communications stack layers, at the data retention source node or, respectively, the interception control element, the plurality of usage data records are provided with a same correlation identity number for correlating the data at the different communications stack layers. Then, the usage data records comprising the correlation identity number to the LEA are sent, for instance to the LI system or the data Retention System, respectively.