Lawful Interception for D2D Communication via eNodeB Mediation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication technologies, particularly in 3GPP LTE networks, face challenges in implementing lawful interception for device-to-device (D2D) communication, as D2D traffic often bypasses the serving gateway and packet data network gateway, making it difficult to intercept and monitor communications in proximity services, especially for non-public safety scenarios.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves network-controlled mechanisms to establish and manage D2D communication links, including disabling direct D2D links, copying messages, and generating imitation links, which allow lawful interception by routing traffic through the network infrastructure, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and user privacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If direct D2D communication is established between wireless devices, then communication efficiency and speed are improved, but the ability to intercept and monitor communications for lawful purposes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the network node (eNodeB) acts as a mediator for D2D communications. The network node receives, forwards, and manages communication between devices, enabling lawful interception points while maintaining direct device-to-device communication paths. This resolves the contradiction by providing both direct communication benefits and network-controlled interception capabilities through the intermediary node.
2Productivity
If D2D traffic bypasses the serving gateway and packet data network gateway, then communication efficiency is improved, but lawful interception and monitoring capabilities deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication path into direct D2D traffic flow and separate interception/monitoring flow. The direct communication path maintains high efficiency by bypassing gateways, while a parallel path is created through network nodes for lawful interception and monitoring. This segmentation allows both objectives to coexist without compromising either communication efficiency or interception capability.
3Loss of information
If network-controlled mechanisms are implemented to enable lawful interception, then interception capability is improved, but device complexity and network infrastructure requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functional network nodes that simultaneously handle direct D2D communication routing and lawful interception operations. The eNodeB performs multiple functions including message forwarding, interception point provision, and monitoring support within a single infrastructure element. This universality reduces overall network complexity compared to requiring separate dedicated interception infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
Technology for a lawful interception of a proximity service (e.g., device-to-device (D2D) communication) provided to user equipments (UEs) is disclosed. In an example, a method can include an evolved Node B (eNB) transmitting a proximity service setup message to a first UE to setup D2D communication with a second UE. The eNB can transmit a lawful interception message to the first UE or the second UE to provide lawful interception of the D2D communication. The eNB can receive packets associated with the D2D communication from the first UE or the second UE. The eNB can communicate the received packets from the first UE and the second UE to the core network (CN) to be copied.