Core Network Element MSISDN to IMSI Conversion for Trace Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing mobile communication technologies, the process of information tracing is inefficient due to the need for users to provide IMSI and IMEI numbers, which are not readily known by users, leading to increased processing time and error probabilities, especially during large-scale user complaints.
Innovation Solution
A method where a core network element receives an MSISDN number and automatically determines the corresponding IMSI and/or IMEI numbers, sending trace commands to relevant network elements to initiate the tracing process, reducing the need for manual input and pre-determination of IMSI or IMEI numbers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If information trace is started according to IMEI or IMSI number after determining the corresponding number beforehand according to MSISDN number, then the trace function can be accurately initiated, but the processing efficiency is greatly lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing the corresponding relationship between MSISDN, IMSI, and IMEI in the HLR database. When a trace request arrives, the system has already prepared the number mappings, allowing immediate trace initiation without real-time lookup delays. This pre-computation approach resolves the contradiction by making the number determination happen in advance rather than during the trace process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the HLR (Home Location Register) as an intermediary component that stores and manages the correspondence between MSISDN, IMSI, and IMEI. Instead of directly querying multiple databases or performing complex real-time conversions, the trace control unit uses the HLR as a centralized intermediary to quickly resolve number mappings. This intermediary structure streamlines the process while maintaining accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If users are required to provide IMSI and IMEI numbers for information trace, then the trace can be precisely targeted, but users cannot provide these numbers as they are not readily known, leading to increased error probabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically retrieve and convert the MSISDN number provided by the user into the corresponding IMSI and IMEI numbers. Instead of requiring users to manually find and input technical identifiers they don't know, the system performs the number conversion automatically using the pre-established relationships in the HLR. This maintains precise targeting while dramatically improving ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If advanced number conversion is performed to determine IMSI or IMEI from MSISDN, then the trace can be initiated with user-friendly input, but the processing efficiency is reduced due to the conversion process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates conversion processing time by performing the number relationship establishment in advance during network setup and maintenance phases. The HLR is pre-configured with the mappings between MSISDN, IMSI, and IMEI for all subscribers. During actual trace operations, the system simply queries this pre-established data rather than performing real-time conversions, thus maintaining user-friendly MSISDN input while avoiding time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling information trace, wherein MSISDN number information is converted to IMSI and/or IMEI number information automatically in a core network element, therefore only MSISDN needs to be provided when a user requires to be performed information trace. Moreover, during information trace, no information needs to be recorded and converted according to MSISDN in advance.