DN-AAA Feedback for PDU Session Re-authentication in 5G Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

The re-authentication of DN-authorized PDU sessions in next-generation wireless communication systems needs enhancement to effectively manage updated DN authorization information.

Innovation Solution

The method involves a network configuration where the access and mobility management function (AMF) and session management function (SMF) are separated, with a DN-AAA server managing DN authorization data, allowing for efficient re-authentication procedures triggered by the terminal, SMF, or DN-AAA server, ensuring updated authorization information is propagated and policy/control information is dynamically managed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If DN authorization data is updated in the DN-AAA server, then authorization information becomes current and secure, but re-authentication overhead and signaling complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthorization information accuracyVSAvoidre-authentication signaling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the DN-AAA server notifies the SMF when DN authorization data is updated. The SMF then triggers re-authentication only when necessary, based on this feedback. This selective feedback approach ensures authorization accuracy while minimizing unnecessary re-authentication signaling overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The SMF autonomously determines whether re-authentication is needed by evaluating the updated DN authorization data received from the DN-AAA server. Instead of forcing re-authentication in all cases, the SMF self-services by making intelligent decisions about when re-authentication is actually required, reducing signaling complexity while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If re-authentication is triggered frequently to ensure updated authorization, then security and authorization accuracy improve, but network signaling overhead and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthorization accuracyVSAvoidre-authentication processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The DN-AAA server provides feedback to the SMF when DN authorization data is updated, enabling the system to trigger re-authentication only when actually needed. This feedback-driven approach prevents unnecessary re-authentication operations, reducing time loss while maintaining authorization accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of re-authentication triggering from a fixed frequent schedule to a dynamic event-driven approach based on actual authorization data changes. This parameter change optimizes the balance between authorization accuracy and processing time efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the SMF autonomously determines re-authentication need, then signaling efficiency improves, but the decision-making complexity in the SMF increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesession management efficiencyVSAvoidSMF decision logic complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary notification mechanism from the DN-AAA server to the SMF, which provides structured authorization data change information. This intermediary feedback simplifies the SMF's decision-making by providing clear, standardized inputs, reducing the complexity of autonomous decision logic while maintaining high session management efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If PDU session authorization is tightly controlled with frequent re-authentication, then security is enhanced, but network resource utilization and service continuity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesession securityVSAvoidnetwork resource utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The feedback mechanism from DN-AAA server to SMF enables security-enhanced authorization control without excessive re-authentication. The system only triggers re-authentication when actual authorization data changes occur, maintaining security while preserving network resource utilization and service continuity by avoiding unnecessary interruptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of continuous or overly frequent re-authentication, the system uses periodic action triggered by specific events (authorization data changes). This event-driven periodic approach maintains security requirements while optimizing network resource utilization and service continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3878196B1Method and apparatus for supporting reauthentication of DN authorized PDU session and managing PDU session according to change of DN authorization data
Publication Date: 2022.12.21 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3878196B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3878196B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3878196B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a communication method and system for converging a 5th-Generation (5G) communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a 4th-Generation (4G) system with a technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the 5G communication technology and the IoT-related technology, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services. The disclosure provides a method for supporting re-authentication of a PDU session generated through DN authentication/authorization with a DN-AAA server, and a method and an apparatus for managing a corresponding PDU session if DN authorization information is updated at the time of re-authentication.