MNP Network Function for 5G Subscription Network Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing communication systems lack efficient mechanisms for determining the subscription network of a mobile subscriber, especially in scenarios involving mobile number portability, leading to complications in routing and security vulnerabilities, particularly for short message services in 5G networks.
Innovation Solution
Introduce a Mobile Number Portability Network Function (MNP NF) in the 5G System Architecture that allows consumers to retrieve the identifier of a subscription network, enabling direct or indirect routing scenarios through the Network Repository Function (NRF) to determine the target Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) and Unified Data Management (UDM) for accurate message delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing communication systems are used without MNP NF, then system simplicity is maintained, but routing efficiency and security deteriorate in mobile number portability scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Mobile Number Portability Network Function (MNP NF) as an intermediary component between the consumer and the network repository function. This mediator specifically handles mobile number portability queries and routing decisions, improving routing efficiency for ported numbers without requiring complex modifications to the entire communication system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network function into specialized components: the MNP NF handles portability-specific operations, while other network functions continue their standard operations. This segmentation allows the system to handle MNP scenarios efficiently without compromising overall system simplicity or requiring complete architectural redesign.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mobile number portability is supported without standardized interface, then flexibility is maintained, but network interoperability and security deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The MNP NF is designed with a standardized interface that can serve multiple network operators and handling scenarios universally. The standardization enables different networks to interoperate seamlessly while maintaining security, as the interface defines consistent rules for portability queries and responses across the entire communication ecosystem.
3Speed
If direct routing scenario is used, then routing speed is improved, but security vulnerabilities increase in portability cases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the MNP NF queries the network repository function to verify the current network affiliation of ported numbers before routing. This feedback loop ensures that even in direct routing scenarios, messages are securely directed to the correct network, preventing security vulnerabilities while maintaining routing speed.
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects described herein relate to apparatus, methods, and computer programs for retrieving an identifier of a subscription network of a mobile subscriber in a communication system. For example, one such method includes registering with a network repository function network function as a mobile number portability network function providing a service allowing a consumer to retrieve an identifier of a subscription network of a mobile subscriber. This method also includes receiving a request from the consumer to retrieve the identifier of the subscription network of the mobile subscriber. This method further includes sending a response to the consumer comprising information to retrieve the identifier of the subscription network of the mobile subscriber.