Edge Enabler Client Obtaining User Equipment Identifier via Access Token

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G networks, it is unclear how the Edge Enabler Client (EEC) can obtain the User Equipment Identifier (UE ID), which is necessary for authentication and authorization with Edge Configuration Servers (ECS) and Edge Enabler Servers (EES), thereby inhibiting the deployment of edge computing solutions.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves methods where the ECS provides the UE ID to the EEC during the authentication and authorization procedure. This UE ID can be included in an access token sent to the EES, ensuring clear and unambiguous obtaining and usage of the UE ID for authentication and authorization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the EEC does not have the UE ID, then the EEC cannot obtain services from ECS or EES, but the mechanism to obtain UE ID is unclear and unspecified

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEEC service acquisitionVSAvoidUE ID obtaining mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the Access Token as an intermediary mechanism that carries the UE ID from the ECS to the EEC. The Access Token serves as a mediator that enables the EEC to obtain services from both ECS and EES without requiring direct UE ID management complexity. The token includes a claim with the UE ID, allowing seamless service acquisition across multiple network functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the UE ID is obtained through unclear mechanisms, then deployment of edge computing solutions is inhibited, but implementing clear mechanisms increases system complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveedge computing deploymentVSAvoidauthentication mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by obtaining the UE ID during the authentication phase between the EEC and ECS, before the EEC needs to access services from EES. The UE ID is extracted from the Access Token at this early stage, ensuring it is ready for subsequent service acquisition without adding complexity during service deployment phases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the Access Token as a copy or representation that contains the UE ID information. Instead of requiring the EEC to directly manage or obtain UE IDs through complex mechanisms, the Access Token provides a simplified copy of the necessary identification information that can be easily transmitted and used for service access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS20250193661A1Methods for Edge Computing Client to Obtain and use Identifiers of User Equipment that Hosts Client

Publication Date: 2025.06.12 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

Embodiments include methods for a client (e.g., EEC) of an edge data network. Such methods include, during or after authentication and/or authorization of the client by a first server (e.g., ECS) of the edge data network, receiving from the first server an identifier (UE ID) of a user 5 equipment that hosts the client. Such methods include sending the UE ID to a second server (e.g., EES) of the edge data network, during authentication and/or authorization of the client by the second server. Other embodiments include complementary methods for the first and second servers, as well as clients (or UEs hosting same) and servers configured to perform such methods.