Identity Proxy for IMSI Reuse in Multi-Profile Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing and reusing International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) information across multiple devices, leading to issues with registration authorization and service provisioning.

Innovation Solution

The system employs an identity proxy function and an identity provisioning function to intercept and manage IMSI registration requests and error messages, enabling the reuse of IMSIs by different communication devices based on unique device identification and location criteria.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If IMSI is reused across multiple devices to improve resource utilization, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to registration authorization issues

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIMSI reuse efficiencyVSAvoidregistration authorization

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an identity proxy function as an intermediary between the communication device and the network registration system. This proxy intercepts registration requests, manages IMSI reuse transparently, and coordinates with the identity provisioning function to resolve authorization issues, thereby maintaining reliability while enabling IMSI reuse for improved productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the identity proxy function monitors registration outcomes and communicates with the identity provisioning function. When registration failures occur due to IMSI reuse conflicts, the feedback loop triggers corrective actions such as IMSI reassignment or authorization updates, ensuring reliable service provisioning while maintaining efficient resource utilization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of substance

If IMSI reuse is implemented to reduce resource waste, then loss of substance is reduced, but device complexity increases due to additional management functions

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIMSI resource wasteVSAvoididentity management system

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the identity management functionality into distinct modular components: an identity proxy function that handles interception and coordination, and an identity provisioning function that manages IMSI allocation and device profiles. This segmentation allows IMSI reuse to reduce resource waste while distributing system complexity across manageable, independent modules

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The identity proxy function serves multiple purposes: it intercepts registration requests, manages IMSI reuse coordination, handles authorization verification, and provides feedback to the provisioning system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing overall system complexity while enabling efficient IMSI resource utilization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250039658A1Method and apparatus for using mobile subscriber identification information for multiple device profiles for a device

Publication Date: 2025.01.30 AT&T MOBILITY II LLC

AI summary

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system that manages reuse of mobile subscriber identity information. Further aspects may include mobile subscriber identity information used in a device having multiple device profiles indexed, directly or indirectly, by multiple ki (e.g. shared secret keys). Other embodiments are disclosed.