LWM2M Credential Onboarding for N3IWF 5G Core Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Devices without radio modems, such as IoT devices and laptops, face challenges in accessing 5G core networks due to the lack of registration IDs, making it difficult for enterprise networks to manage and update applications on these devices.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing a Lightweight Mobile-to-Mobile (LWM2M) client to communicate with a device management server (DMS) for credential generation and management, enabling devices to access the 5G core network through a Non-3GPP Interworking Function (N3IWF) interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If devices without radio modems access 5G core network via N3IWF, then network access capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to lack of built-in radio modem and registration ID
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system comprising a credential server and device management server that mediates between devices without radio modems and the 5G core network. The credential server generates virtual registration IDs and credentials, while the device management server distributes them to devices via alternative interfaces (WiFi, Bluetooth, USB). This intermediary infrastructure enables devices without built-in radio modems to access the 5G core network through N3IWF, resolving the contradiction by externalizing the complexity from individual devices to a shared system.
2Ease of operation
If LWM2M client is used for credential management, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional software component
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs the LWM2M (Lightweight M2M) protocol suite, which is a standardized framework designed for remote management of constrained devices. LWM2M provides multi-functional capabilities including credential distribution, software updates, configuration management, and device monitoring through a unified protocol. By leveraging this existing standardized framework rather than implementing custom solutions, the patent improves ease of operation while minimizing the increase in device complexity, as LWM2M clients can be implemented with relatively small code footprints on resource-constrained devices.
3Reliability
If credentials are distributed via LWM2M, then security is improved, but loss of information increases due to potential credential exposure during transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions to prevent credential exposure before transmission occurs. The credential server generates credentials and establishes secure communication channels in advance using pre-shared keys or certificate-based authentication. Encryption algorithms are pre-configured on both the credential server and device management server. These preliminary security measures ensure that credentials are protected during distribution via LWM2M, maintaining security while minimizing information loss through proper cryptographic protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The device management server acts as a secure intermediary between the credential server and the target device. It receives encrypted credentials from the credential server, manages the secure transmission channel, and forwards credentials to the device through authenticated LWM2M communication. This intermediary layer adds security protocols and encryption, preventing credential exposure during transmission while enabling safe distribution across the network.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for managing a communication session for a user equipment (UE) are described herein. The UE may include a device that does not include a radio modem used for communication over a core network (e.g., an IoT device, a laptop, a server, etc.). The UE may be provided credentials that may be securely stored and used to authenticate and establish a connection (e.g., via a N3IWF interface) with a telecommunications network. The credentials may uniquely identify the UE and include access capability to securely be modified as needed. The techniques discussed herein include utilizing a Lightweight Mobile-to-Mobile (LWM2M) client in the UE to communicate with the UE and provide credentials that may be stored by the UE as a list of encrypted custom objects.