IMSI Reuse via Identity Proxy Interception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing and reusing International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) across multiple devices and network elements, leading to issues with registration authorization and service provisioning.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize an identity proxy function and an identity provisioning function to intercept and manage IMSI registration requests, allowing for the reuse of IMSI by different communication devices, including end-user and M2M/IoT devices, by reassigning or reauthorizing IMSI through an over-the-air interface, using a universal integrated circuit card with a processor and memory for executing instructions to facilitate registration processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If IMSI is assigned to a single device for registration, then registration authorization is secure and reliable, but IMSI cannot be reused by other devices leading to inefficient network resource utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the IMSI registration process into multiple independent components: an identity proxy function that intercepts registration requests, an identity provisioning function that manages IMSI assignment, and network elements that perform authentication. This segmentation allows the system to maintain secure authorization checks while enabling flexible IMSI reuse across devices by decoupling the registration interception mechanism from the final authorization decision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an identity proxy function as an intermediary component that sits between the mobile device and the core network elements. This intermediary intercepts registration requests, determines whether to allow IMSI reuse, and coordinates with the identity provisioning function. The mediator enables controlled IMSI sharing while maintaining security by implementing authorization checks before allowing multiple devices to use the same IMSI.
2Productivity
If traditional registration process is used, then network security is maintained, but the process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the identity proxy function intercept and evaluate registration requests before they reach the core network elements. The system pre-determines whether IMSI reuse should be allowed and prepares the authorization decision in advance. This preliminary evaluation streamlines the subsequent authentication process by pre-filtering requests and reducing the complexity of real-time authorization checks during the actual registration.
3Productivity
If IMSI is reused across multiple devices, then network resource utilization improves, but distinguishing between devices becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by maintaining device-specific identification characteristics at each stage of the registration process. While the IMSI may be reused across devices, the identity proxy function and network elements examine device-specific parameters such as device identifiers, location information, and registration context to distinguish between different devices. This localized differentiation at each processing stage enables accurate device identification even when the global IMSI identifier is shared.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system that manages utilization of mobile subscriber identity information including enabling use of such information by different communication devices. The use of a same generic mobile subscriber identity information by multiple devices can be based on intercepting registration requests. Other embodiments are disclosed.