Direct C2 Authorization Using SMF Mediation and UAV-C IDs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for Command and Control (C2) communication between Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and their controllers lack a specific authorization mechanism.

Innovation Solution

A method for Session Management Function (SMF) to receive and transmit authorization request information for C2 communication directly from the User Equipment (UE) and the Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle-Controller (UAV-C), using an application layer ID.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a specific authorization method for C2 communication is implemented, then system security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem securityVSAvoidauthorization mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The SMF acts as an intermediary between the UE and the network authorization system. It receives authorization requests from the UE, forwards them to the appropriate network functions, and relays the authorization decisions back to the UE. This mediator approach centralizes the complex authorization logic in the network infrastructure rather than embedding it in each device, thereby improving security while avoiding increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The UE is enabled to autonomously initiate authorization requests for C2 communication without requiring manual configuration or intervention. The device automatically manages the authorization process by sending requests to the SMF and processing the received authorization information, allowing self-service operation that simplifies the user interface while maintaining security through standardized protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If direct C2 communication authorization is enabled, then service availability is improved, but loss of information increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice availabilityVSAvoidauthorization request information loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The authorization request information is preserved and processed in advance before C2 communication is established. The SMF receives and stores the authorization request details, performs necessary validations, and prepares the authorization decision beforehand. This preliminary processing ensures that no critical authorization information is lost during the communication setup phase, while enabling rapid service availability once authorization is granted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The SMF implements a feedback mechanism where authorization request information is transmitted from the UE, processed by the network, and the authorization decision is fed back to the UE. This closed-loop feedback ensures that authorization information is properly transmitted and received without loss, while the automated feedback process improves service availability by eliminating manual authorization steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4607846A1Direct c2 authorization
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4607846A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4607846A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4607846A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a method for an SMF to perform communication. The method may comprise the steps of: receiving authorization request information for direct C2 communication from a UE; transmitting an authorization request message to a USS; receiving an application layer ID of a UAV-C from the USS; and transmitting the application layer ID of the UAV-C to the UE.