HSS-Based External Identifier Provisioning for MTC

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 3GPP network provisioning for Machine-Type-Communication (MTC) services faces challenges due to the lack of automated mechanisms for managing External Identifiers, leading to burdensome manual processes and security concerns related to International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) access, which complicates the activation, deactivation, and management of MTC service subscriptions.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a 'Root Identifier' allows for dynamic provisioning of External Identifiers within the 3GPP Core Network, enabling automatic activation, modification, and deactivation of MTC service subscriptions through protocol-based signaling between the HSS and MTC Server, using the Root Identifier as a common identifier known to both the 3GPP network and MTC service providers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual provisioning processes are used for External Identifiers, then security concerns related to IMSI access are reduced, but the burden on network operators and MTC service providers increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIMSI securityVSAvoidprovisioning burden

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an HSS-based provisioning mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the MTC Server and the UE subscription data. The MTC Server sends provisioning requests with External Identifiers to the HSS, which automatically updates the UE subscription without requiring direct IMSI exposure or manual intervention. This intermediary approach maintains security while enabling automated provisioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The HSS performs self-service by automatically updating UE subscription data with External Identifiers received from the MTC Server. The system enables itself to provision External Identifiers without manual operator intervention, reducing the provisioning burden while maintaining security through protocol-based automated processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If IMSIs are exposed for MTC service management, then ease of managing MTC subscriptions improves, but security risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveMTC subscription managementVSAvoidIMSI security risks

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the IMSI from the MTC service provisioning process entirely. Instead of exposing IMSIs to the MTC Server for subscription management, the system uses External Identifiers as the interface. The HSS internally manages the mapping between External Identifiers and IMSIs, allowing MTC subscription management without IMSI exposure, thus eliminating security risks while maintaining operational ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If automated provisioning mechanisms are implemented, then productivity of MTC service activation improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice activation speedVSAvoidprovisioning system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages the existing HSS's multi-functionality to handle both traditional 3GPP authentication and MTC External Identifier provisioning. The HSS already stores UE subscription data and now additionally processes External Identifier provisioning requests from the MTC Server. This universal approach enables automated provisioning without adding separate complex provisioning systems, improving productivity while minimizing additional complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple External Identifiers are associated with a single UE, then adaptability for multiple machine type devices improves, but difficulty of managing subscriptions increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-device supportVSAvoidsubscription management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the identification space by introducing External Identifiers as separate, independent identifiers associated with a single UE's subscription. Each External Identifier can represent a different machine type device or service, allowing a UE to have multiple External Identifiers without complicating the underlying subscription structure. The HSS manages these segmented identifiers efficiently, improving adaptability while keeping management complexity low through protocol-based automated processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9894511B2Methods and apparatuses for automatic provisioning of external identifiers used for machine type devices in a 3GPP network

Publication Date: 2018.02.13 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

In one aspect, the teachings herein propose a procedure provided by an appropriately configured 3GPP Core Network (CN), which allows External Identifiers to be provisioned dynamically by the 3GPP operator or an MTC service provider, using the existing 3GPP M2M architecture. As such, these teachings can be understood as providing for automatic activation, modification, deactivation, etc., of MTC service subscriptions or services, using protocol-based signaling between the involved entities, e.g., between a 3GPP HSS and an MTC Server (a Services Capability Server or SCS) and/or an MTC Bootstrapping Server that provides for MTC subscription activations, modifications, cancellations, etc.