Identity Proxy Function for IMSI Reuse in Virtual Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing and reusing International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) across different devices and locations, leading to inefficiencies in resource allocation and service authorization.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an identity proxy function and an identity provisioning function that intercepts registration requests and error messages to facilitate the reuse of IMSIs across multiple devices, allowing a single IMSI to be shared among different communication devices based on unique device identification and location, and managing IMSI reassignment and authorization through a virtual network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If IMSI is assigned to each communication device uniquely, then service authorization and device identification are reliable, but resource allocation efficiency deteriorates due to inability to reuse IMSIs
Solution Approach 1:
An identity proxy function is introduced as an intermediary between the communication device and the virtual network. This proxy intercepts registration requests, determines whether the device is authorized to use a target IMSI, and facilitates IMSI reuse while maintaining service authorization reliability. The proxy acts as a mediator that enables multiple devices to share IMSI resources without compromising security or authorization integrity.
2Productivity
If IMSI is reused across multiple devices, then resource allocation efficiency improves, but device complexity increases due to need for identity proxy and provisioning functions
Solution Approach 1:
The identity proxy function serves as a centralized intermediary that manages IMSI reuse complexity. Rather than distributing complexity across multiple network elements, the proxy consolidates the logic for intercepting registration requests, determining authorization, and coordinating with identity provisioning functions. This centralized approach enables IMSI reuse while containing system complexity within a dedicated management component.
3Adaptability or versatility
If registration requests are intercepted and processed through virtual network, then IMSI reuse is enabled, but processing time increases due to additional authorization checks
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining authorization information in advance within the identity proxy function. When a registration request arrives, the proxy can quickly determine whether the device is authorized to use the target IMSI based on pre-stored authorization data, rather than performing complex real-time verification. This preliminary preparation reduces processing time while enabling versatile IMSI reuse across devices.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system that registers a communication device with a temporary IMSI shared among multiple communication devices with a virtual registration function. Further, the system provisions an active IMSI using a virtual Over-the-Air (OTA) function onto the communication device and indicates to the communication device to register with a registration function using the active IMSI. Other embodiments are disclosed.