MME Anonymization Logic for MDT Measurement Reporting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Minimization of Drive Test (MDT) systems in wireless communication networks cannot implement anonymous reporting of MDT measurements due to the inability to determine when to send International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) or International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) information to the Trace Collection Entity (TCE).
Innovation Solution
The method involves obtaining MDT data anonymity configuration information, allowing the Mobility Management Entity (MME) to send either the IMSI/IMEISV or the TAC as identification to the TCE based on anonymity configuration, enabling anonymous reporting of MDT measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the MME sends IMSI/IMEISV to the TCE for MDT measurements, then the TCE can identify the UE, but the UE privacy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by sending different types of identification information to the TCE based on the specific MDT measurement scenario and anonymity configuration. Instead of always sending IMSI/IMEISV, the system selectively sends TAC (Tracking Area Code) or other anonymized identifiers for certain measurement types, while sending full identifiers only when necessary for accurate UE identification. This resolves the contradiction by making the identification approach context-dependent rather than uniform.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the MME always sends TAC instead of IMSI/IMEISV, then UE privacy is protected, but the TCE cannot accurately identify the UE
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the identification information sent to the TCE flexible and adaptive. The MME dynamically selects between sending TAC, IMSI, or IMEISV based on the anonymity configuration received from the network management system and the specific MDT measurement requirements. This dynamic selection mechanism allows the system to balance privacy protection with identification accuracy according to different operational contexts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the MME determines whether to send IMSI or TAC based on MDT data anonymity configuration, then anonymous reporting is enabled, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the network management system pre-configure the MDT data anonymity configuration before MDT measurements are performed. The anonymity configuration parameters are established in advance, allowing the MME to simply follow the pre-determined rules when sending identification information to the TCE. This preliminary configuration approach reduces the real-time decision complexity at the MME while still enabling flexible anonymous reporting capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a method for reporting minimization of drive test, MDT, measurements. According to the method, a mobility management entity (MME) receives from a base station a cell traffic trace message, determines whether anonymization of MDT data is required based on the cell traffic trace message, and transmitting, to a trace collection entity, TCE, a type allocation code, TAC, of a terminal if the anonymization of the MDT is required, wherein the cell traffic trace message includes information indicating an immediate MDT or a logged MDT. The present invention enables an MME to send different identities of a UE to the TCE according to different requirements for anonymity to implement anonymous reporting of MDT measurements.