Terminal Identifier Allocation in M2M Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited number of International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) numbers poses a challenge as the predicted growth in machine-to-machine (M2M) devices may lead to shortages, and extending IMSI length is impractical due to the need for widespread system changes.
Innovation Solution
A method that allocates a temporary identifier to terminals using a combination of IMSI and International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI), allowing multiple terminals to share the same IMSI without requiring changes to existing systems, by utilizing a Mobility Management Entity (MME) and Home Subscriber Server (HSS) to manage unique terminal identification and authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the length of IMSI is extended to accommodate more devices, then the number of supported devices increases, but changes are required to terminals, access network procedures, and all network nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The identifier space is segmented into two parts: IMSI (for user subscription) and IMEI (for terminal identification). This segmentation allows the system to support more devices by utilizing the combination of both identifiers rather than extending a single identifier, thus avoiding the need to modify existing terminal and network structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new identifier structure that acts as an intermediary between the existing IMSI system and the need to identify billions of devices. By using the combination of IMSI and IMEI as a composite key, the system can identify unique terminal-subscription pairs without requiring changes to the fundamental IMSI structure or terminal hardware.
2Quantity of substance
If the length of IMSI is extended to accommodate more devices, then the number of supported devices increases, but existing mobile terminals and network nodes require modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The existing IMSI and IMEI identifiers are given a new universal function: their combination serves as a unique identifier for terminal subscriptions. This multi-functional use of existing identifiers allows the system to support billions of devices without requiring any of the existing components to be modified, as both IMSI and IMEI continue to serve their original purposes while also forming a composite identifier.
3Quantity of substance
If the length of IMSI is extended to accommodate more devices, then the number of supported devices increases, but access network procedures must be changed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent effectively creates a copied identifier space by using the IMEI portion (or combination of IMSI and IMEI) as an additional identifier dimension. This copying approach allows the network to identify and manage a larger number of devices by treating the IMEI as a supplementary identifier, thereby expanding the identifier space without altering the original IMSI-based identification procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for allocating an identifier to a terminal in a communications network. A core network controlling node, such as a Mobility Management Entity (MME) receives an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) and an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) from the terminal. Subscription information is determined using both the IMSI and the IMEI. A temporary identifier that can be used to identify the terminal is then allocated to the subscription information.