Distributed Network Functions With DLT-DHT Data Trust Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network architectures in 6G systems face challenges in ensuring user data security and privacy while implementing network functions, particularly in distributed environments, due to issues such as single-point failures, data privacy leakage, and lack of trustworthiness mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A network function implementation method utilizing a combination of distributed ledger technology (DLT) for on-chain storage and distributed hash table technology (DHT) for off-chain storage, integrated with authentication and access control, to ensure secure and private data management, and a Byzantine attack-resistant DHT for enhanced reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If distributed network architecture is used to support computational power and intelligence, then network functionality and processing capability are improved, but user data security and privacy protection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network function into multiple distributed network function instances deployed across different network elements. Each instance processes specific data types locally, preventing centralization of sensitive user data while maintaining overall network functionality. This segmentation allows computational power to be distributed without creating a single point of failure for data security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a data storage and management system that uses distributed ledger technology. This intermediary layer manages data storage, access control, and privacy protection across the distributed network, mediating between the computational needs of network functions and the security requirements of user data.
2Reliability
If distributed network function instances are deployed across multiple network elements, then system reliability and fault tolerance are improved, but data privacy leakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling each distributed network function instance to store and process only the specific types of data relevant to its function, rather than having universal access to all user data. This localized data handling reduces the attack surface for privacy leakage while maintaining system reliability through distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of data access control by implementing dynamic access policies that adjust based on the specific network function, data type, and security requirements. This allows the system to maintain high reliability through distribution while controlling privacy leakage risk through parameterized access restrictions.
3Speed
If traditional centralized data storage is used, then data access efficiency is improved, but single-point failure risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments centralized data storage into distributed storage across multiple network elements. Each segment stores specific data types or user data portions, eliminating the single-point failure risk of centralized storage. The segmentation is designed to maintain access efficiency through intelligent data placement and retrieval mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges distributed storage capabilities across multiple network elements into a unified data access system. This combination allows the system to benefit from both the reliability of distribution and the efficiency of unified access control, achieving fast data retrieval without centralized single-point failure risks.
4Reliability
If network functions are distributed across multiple elements, then trustworthiness is improved through decentralization, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal data management mechanisms that can be applied across all distributed network function instances. The data storage, access control, and privacy protection systems are designed as multi-functional frameworks that work consistently across different network elements, reducing the operational complexity despite the distributed architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
This application provides a network function implementation method and an apparatus, to implement a network function when a distributed network architecture meets a trustworthiness requirement. The method includes: Receiving first information from a first network function (NF) network element and second information from a second NF network element, obtaining a first model and first data based on the second information, and determining a response to a service requirement based on the first model and the first data. The second information indicates a storage status of data needed for fulfilling the service requirement within a third NF network element, the second NF network element is configured to record the storage status of the data by using a distributed ledger technology, the third NF network element is configured to store the data by using a distributed hash table technology, and model data within the data is used to determine the first model.