MTC Feature Access Control via Category Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
M2M communication networks face issues in correctly activating Machine Type Communications (MTC) features of MTC devices, leading to communication errors due to inadequate access control.
Innovation Solution
An access control method and system that categorize MTC devices into fixed and flexible categories, allowing or denying network access based on feature activation status for fixed categories, and controlling access using subscription and capability information for flexible categories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If MTC devices are allowed to access the network without proper access control, then network accessibility is improved, but communication errors increase due to incorrect MTC feature activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments MTC features into two distinct categories: first category features (handled by switching between EMM and ECM states) and second category features (handled by network control based on subscription and capability information). This segmentation allows different access control mechanisms to be applied to different feature types, enabling proper feature activation while maintaining network accessibility and preventing communication errors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If MTC features are activated without proper access control mechanisms, then feature activation capability is improved, but access control accuracy deteriorates leading to communication errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different access control mechanisms to different feature categories based on their specific requirements. First category features use state switching (EMM/ECM) while second category features use subscription-based control. This localized quality approach ensures that each feature type receives the appropriate level and type of access control, improving both feature activation capability and access control accuracy.
3Device complexity
If a unified access control mechanism is used for all MTC features, then system complexity is reduced, but access control precision deteriorates causing communication errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides MTC features into two categories with distinct access control procedures. The network entity determines which category a feature belongs to and applies the corresponding access control mechanism. This segmentation maintains manageable system complexity while achieving high access control precision through category-specific handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic access control where the network entity adapts its control mechanism based on the feature category and device state. For first category features, the system dynamically switches between EMM and ECM states. For second category features, it dynamically evaluates subscription information and device capabilities. This dynamic approach enables precise control without excessive complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses an access control method, a network entity, and an access control system. The method includes: obtaining a feature of an MTC device and feature category information of the feature, where the feature category information of the feature of the MTC device includes a first feature category or a second feature category; if the feature of the MTC device belongs to the first feature category, allowing access of the MTC device to a network when the feature of the MTC device is activated, and denying access of the MTC device to the network when the feature of the MTC device cannot be activated; and if the feature of the MTC device belongs to the second feature category, controlling access of the MTC device according to at least one of subscription information of the MTC device, network capability, and MTC device capability.