Mobile Network DNS Resolution for Low-Complexity UICC Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3GPP mobile networks lack a mechanism for DNS resolution, making it difficult for UICC modules to establish IP connections using Fully Qualified Domain Names (FQDNs) without pre-known IP addresses, especially in secure and M2M communications, where terminals and UICCs of low technical complexity are required.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a DNS management and resolution mechanism within the mobile network infrastructure, allowing the infrastructure to receive FQDNs from mobile equipment and resolve them into IP addresses, independent of the mobile terminal and UICC, enabling IP connections without internal DNS resolution means in the terminal or UICC.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If DNS resolution is implemented in the mobile terminal or UICC, then FQDN-based IP connection establishment is enabled, but device complexity and development costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the mobile network infrastructure (specifically the SGSN or GGSN) as an intermediary DNS resolution service. Instead of requiring DNS resolution capability in the terminal or UICC, the network infrastructure acts as a mediator that receives FQDNs from terminals, performs DNS resolution, and returns IP addresses. This resolves the contradiction by enabling FQDN-based connections while keeping terminal complexity low.
2Adaptability or versatility
If DNS resolution is implemented in the mobile terminal, then FQDN resolution is possible, but development and production costs for mobile terminals increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile network infrastructure serves as an intermediary DNS resolution service, eliminating the need for DNS resolution functionality in terminals. The network performs DNS queries on behalf of terminals, converting FQDNs to IP addresses before routing data. This approach enables FQDN-based communication while keeping terminal hardware and software simple, thereby reducing manufacturing and development costs.
3Reliability
If the UICC stores fixed IP addresses, then secure communication is maintained, but adaptability to server movements and network changes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic IP address resolution through DNS queries performed by the mobile network infrastructure. Instead of storing static IP addresses in the UICC, the system dynamically resolves FQDNs to current IP addresses of target servers. This allows the UICC to maintain security by storing only FQDNs and authentication credentials, while the network infrastructure handles dynamic IP resolution, enabling adaptation to server movements and network changes.
4Ease of operation
If conventional DNS resolution is used in terminals, then FQDN resolution works on public networks, but compatibility with secure parameter storage in UICC is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile network infrastructure acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between DNS resolution functionality and secure parameter storage. The terminal sends FQDNs to the network infrastructure for resolution, while the UICC securely stores FQDNs and authentication parameters. The network infrastructure performs DNS queries and returns IP addresses, enabling both ease of operation (FQDN resolution) and reliability (secure parameter storage without exposing parameters to the terminal's public network interface).
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to the field of wireless communications, and more particularly a method of establishing an IP connection through a 3GPP mobile network, at least partially of IP type, a network equipment item, MME or PDN-GW, of that mobile network, a mobile network infrastructure, a mobile terminal and a corresponding system. The method includes the following steps, on a first equipment item, MME or PDN-GW, of the mobile network other than a mobile equipment item UE of the mobile network: receiving a fully qualified domain name, FQDN, sent by a mobile equipment item, UE, of the mobile network, the FQDN identifying a target data server; and on reception of the FQDN, triggering the resolution of the FQDN into an IP address of the target data server. Thus, a mobile user equipment item provided with a UICC card may be produced at low cost without incorporating DNS resolution mechanisms.