IMSI Reuse via Identity Proxy for Multi-Device Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing and reassigning International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) across multiple devices and locations, leading to issues with registration authorization and service eligibility.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that enable the reuse of IMSI by different communication devices through an identity proxy function and identity provisioning function, which intercept registration requests and error messages to determine device eligibility and reassign IMSIs, allowing multiple devices to share the same IMSI based on unique device identification and location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If IMSI is assigned to a single device, then registration authorization is straightforward, but device complexity increases when managing multiple devices and locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the IMSI management function by introducing location-specific registration functions (e.g., HLR, VLR) that independently manage IMSI assignments for different locations. This allows the system to handle multiple devices and locations without creating a single complex centralized management system, as each location has its own registration function that operates semi-independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (registration function) that mediates between the IMSI assignment and device registration processes. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of IMSI reassignment and location-based authorization, shielding the overall system from the complexity of managing multiple devices and locations simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If IMSI is reused across multiple devices, then service flexibility improves, but registration errors increase due to location conflicts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making registration authorization location-specific. Each location has its own registration function that independently evaluates device eligibility and manages IMSI assignments for that particular location. This allows IMSI reuse across different locations while preventing conflicts within the same location, as each location's registration function enforces location-specific rules.
3Adaptability or versatility
If registration messages are exchanged between multiple network devices, then service coverage expands, but message exchange complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into multiple location-specific registration functions (HLR, VLR) that each handle registration messages for their respective locations. This segmentation allows the system to expand service coverage across multiple locations without requiring a single complex centralized message exchange system, as each location's registration function handles messages independently.
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 the same mobile subscriber identity information by multiple devices can be based on locations. Other embodiments are disclosed.