Mobile Network Location Header Validation via Trusted Source Comparison

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Solution Overview

Problem

In mobile telecommunications networks, the reliance on user-provided P-Access-Network-Info headers for location information can lead to incorrect data being inserted by rogue user equipment, affecting lawful interception and data retention systems, as well as charging and location-based services.

Innovation Solution

A method and device validate IP information headers by requesting trusted location information from a trusted source within the network, comparing it with the user-provided information, and either asserting, stripping, or replacing it to ensure accurate location data is used in location-based functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If user equipment provides location information through P-Access-Network-Info headers, then location-based services can be provided, but incorrect information can be inserted by rogue user equipment affecting lawful interception and data retention systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation-based servicesVSAvoidlocation information accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a network element (P-CSCF or S-CSCF) as an intermediary that validates location information before it reaches lawful interception and data retention systems. This intermediary checks the P-Access-Network-Info header against trusted location data from the network, preventing rogue user equipment from inserting incorrect information while still enabling location-based services.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a validation mechanism where the network receives location information from user equipment, compares it against trusted location data from network sources, and provides feedback by accepting or rejecting the information. This feedback loop ensures that only accurate location data is used for lawful interception and data retention, maintaining reliability while preserving service functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the network validates location information from trusted sources, then location information accuracy is improved, but network complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation information accuracyVSAvoidnetwork validation mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the P-CSCF or S-CSCF multi-functional by having them perform both their primary session control functions and the additional function of validating location information. This universal approach allows the network to maintain high reliability through validation while avoiding the need for separate dedicated validation equipment, thus limiting the increase in network complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9166960B2Mobile radio access information validation

Publication Date: 2015.10.20 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A validation method for validating IP information header in data packets from user equipment connected to a mobile telecommunications network (1) and accessing an IP network (5) through a proxy. In the method trusted location information of the user equipment (2) from a trusted source of the telecommunications network is requested (109). Then, the trusted location information is inserted into the IP information header of a message (112) to be sent to a location based function (17).