Multi-User Mobile Terminal Service Differentiation via SUPI
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Solution Overview
Problem
The 3GPP wireless communication system lacks the ability to identify and differentiate between users sharing the same mobile device, leading to inadequate service provisioning and quality of service (QoS) management, as it cannot dynamically adjust services and QoS based on the specific user using the device.
Innovation Solution
The system configures user identifiers with the device's subscription, allowing the network to provide updated configuration information and quality of service rules associated with each user, enabling dynamic service provisioning and QoS management based on the active user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the network treats all users of a mobile device uniformly, then device complexity is reduced, but service differentiation and user-specific QoS cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments user identification by introducing separate user identifiers (SUPI) distinct from device identifiers (IMSI). This allows the network to differentiate between multiple users sharing the same device while maintaining manageable identification structures. Each user gets a unique SUPI that can be associated with their subscription and service profile, enabling fine-grained service differentiation without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested identification structure where user identifiers are associated with device identifiers. The SUPI can be linked to the IMSI through the AMF and UDM, creating a hierarchical relationship. This nesting allows the network to maintain device-level subscriptions while overlaying user-specific information, enabling service differentiation without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If user identification and profiling is implemented, then user-specific service quality improves, but authentication and authorization complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the authentication system multi-functional by using the existing AMF and UDM components to handle both device authentication and user identification. The SUPI-based authentication mechanism leverages the same architectural framework as existing IMSI authentication, allowing the network to provide user-specific services without requiring entirely new authentication infrastructure. This universality maintains reliability while controlling complexity growth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the SUPI as an intermediary identifier between the user and the network's authentication system. Instead of directly complex user profiling, the SUPI serves as a simplified key that the AMF and UDM can process using existing mechanisms. This intermediary approach allows user-specific service quality to improve while the authentication complexity remains manageable through the use of a standardized identification interface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic service provisioning based on user identity is implemented, then user experience improves, but configuration management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the UDM pre-configure user profiles and service parameters associated with each SUPI before the user actually needs the service. Subscription data, QoS parameters, and service entitlements are prepared in advance and stored in the UDM. When authentication occurs, this pre-configured information is immediately available for dynamic service provisioning, improving user experience while avoiding the complexity of real-time configuration decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes feedback mechanisms where the AMF communicates user identification results and service requirements back to the UDM and PCF. This feedback loop enables dynamic service provisioning by continuously monitoring user activity and adjusting service parameters accordingly. The feedback mechanism ensures service adaptability while the standardized feedback protocols prevent configuration complexity from escalating.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is configured to transmit, to a wireless network, a link request message requesting a user identifier be associated with an identifier corresponding to the electronic device; receive, from the wireless network, a registration response confirming that the user identifier has been associated with the identifier corresponding to the electronic device; and receive, from the wireless network, updated configuration information for the electronic device, wherein at least part of configuration information is associated with the user identifier.