FMC Access Gateway Identifier Mapping for Location Services
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing broadband access networks struggle to effectively utilize location information of fixed line users for native integration with mobile core networks, limiting the provision of location-based services such as emergency calls.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to map specific fixed network identifier information to mobile network identifier information, allowing location information to be natively used by the mobile core network. This involves assigning a mobile network identifier to the fixed network identifier, enabling seamless communication between the FMC access gateway function node and the mobile core network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed network identifier information is used directly in mobile core network, then fixed line users can access mobile core network, but location information cannot be natively used by mobile core network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an FMC access gateway function as an intermediary between the fixed access network and mobile core network. This gateway performs identifier mapping, converting fixed network identifiers into mobile network identifiers (such as GPSI, SUPI, or temporary identifiers) while preserving location information. The gateway acts as a mediator that enables communication between the two different network domains without direct integration, thus maintaining location information usability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms fixed network identifier parameters into mobile network identifier parameters through a mapping function. The fixed network identifier (containing location information) is converted into equivalent mobile network identifiers that the mobile core network can natively process. This parameter transformation allows the mobile core network to recognize and utilize location information from fixed line users without requiring native fixed network support.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mobile core network controls fixed access lines, then unified authentication and session management is achieved, but location-based services cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The FMC access gateway serves as an intermediary that bridges the mobile core network's control capabilities with the need for location-based services. It receives location information from fixed access lines, maps it to mobile network identifiers, and forwards it to the mobile core network in a native format. This enables the mobile core network to provide location-based services to fixed line users while maintaining unified authentication and session management control.
3Loss of information
If fixed network identifiers are mapped to mobile network identifiers, then location information can be used by mobile core network, but additional mapping functionality is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the identifier mapping function with the existing FMC access gateway functionality. Rather than creating a separate dedicated mapping system, the mapping capabilities are integrated into the access gateway that already handles authentication and session management. This merging approach reuses existing infrastructure and protocols, reducing overall system complexity despite adding the mapping capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The FMC access gateway is designed with multi-functionality, handling both traditional access gateway tasks (authentication, session management) and the new identifier mapping function. By making the gateway universal, the patent avoids adding dedicated single-purpose equipment, thus managing complexity while enabling location information usability through mapping.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a broadband access network of a telecommunications network for providing fixed mobile convergence, FMC, and/or fixed mobile interworking, FMI, access and functionality to a plurality of residential gateways connected to the telecommunications network, the telecommunications network comprising or being connected to a mobile core network, the broadband access network especially comprising a central office point of delivery, the residential gateways being connected to the broadband access network via a plurality of line termination nodes, wherein a specific residential gateway of the plurality of residential gateways is connectable - directly or indirectly - to a specific line termination node of the plurality of line termination nodes, using a specific access node port of the specific line termination node and using a fixed network identifier information being specific for or indicating the specific access node port used of the specific line termination node, wherein the broadband access network comprises an FMC access gateway function node or instance, especially a 5G access gateway function node or instance, wherein the method comprises the following steps: -- in a first step, a specific mobile network identifier information is mapped or assigned to or able to be derived from the specific fixed network identifier information, and -- in a second step, subsequent to the first step, the specific mobile network identifier information is used between the FMC access gateway function node or instance and the mobile core network of or connected to the telecommunications network with respect to the specific access node port of the specific line termination node.