Wireless Network Identification Using Extended MSIN Bits

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) system faces resource depletion issues due to the limited capacity of identifying only 10 billion terminal devices, which becomes a problem with the increasing demand in machine-to-machine (M2M) communications in wireless networks.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves using the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) or extending the bits of the Mobile Subscriber Identification Number (MSIN) in the IMSI to identify terminal devices, allowing for more unique identifiers and alleviating the resource depletion issue.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the traditional 10-bit MSIN structure is used in IMSI, then the identification system is simple and compatible with existing networks, but the identification capacity is limited to only 10 billion terminal devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification capacityVSAvoididentification structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the MSIN from 10 bits to 15 bits, adding an additional dimension to the identification space. This dimensional expansion increases the identification capacity from 10 billion to 32 trillion devices while maintaining the same IMSI structure framework, effectively resolving the capacity limitation without complete structural redesign

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the bit length parameter of MSIN from 10 to 15 bits. This parameter modification directly increases the identification capacity while keeping the overall IMSI structure compatible with existing systems, allowing gradual deployment and network evolution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If the MSIN bits are extended to increase identification capacity, then more terminal devices can be identified, but the compatibility with existing network systems may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of identifiable devicesVSAvoidnetwork compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dynamic approach where the extended 15-bit MSIN can be deployed gradually. Network elements can be upgraded to support the extended format while older elements continue to handle traditional 10-bit MSIN, allowing the system to adapt dynamically to different deployment stages and maintain compatibility throughout the transition period

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary actions by defining the extended 15-bit MSIN structure in advance, allowing network operators to prepare their systems for future capacity requirements. This includes updating hardware, software, and protocols proactively before the network reaches its identification capacity limit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3293997B1Apparatus for identification in wireless network
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3293997B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
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  • EP3293997B1 patent drawingFigure 7~11

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method and an apparatus for identification in a wireless network, and a device. The method includes: with a need of subscriber identification information in a paging or/and signaling accessing process in a wireless communications system, using, by user equipment and/or a terminal device and/or a radio access network device and/or a core network device, an international mobile equipment identity IMEI or an extended IMSI as a subscriber identification number. By means of the method and apparatus for identification in a wireless network, and the device that are provided in the embodiments of the present invention, IMSI resource depletion is avoided, and a terminal device can be normally identified for normal communication.