Network Node Media Channel Management for Secure Voice Sessions
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication networks face security risks during OTT services, particularly when third-party AI applications are invoked during call sessions, as private information may be exposed to third-party service providers.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented in network nodes to manage media channels during ongoing media sessions by detecting voice instructions containing keywords, muting the media channel to the second user when interacting with third-party services and keeping the user's voice instructions within the Mobile Network Operators' network, ensuring secure communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If direct access to third-party service provider's network node is provided for Digital Assistant service, then service accessibility is improved, but security risk increases as private information may be exposed to third-party service provider during call session
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the network node acts as a mediator between the user equipment and third-party service providers. During an ongoing call session, when a digital assistant service is invoked, the media channel is redirected through this intermediary layer that enables service access while preventing direct exposure of private call information to third parties. The intermediary validates and controls the information flow, allowing service functionality while maintaining security boundaries.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If media channel is modified to be silent during third-party service invocation, then user privacy is protected, but service functionality may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively modifying different segments of the media channel based on the specific service interaction requirements. Instead of completely silencing all media channels, the system selectively applies silence to specific channels that would expose private information, while maintaining active channels necessary for service functionality. This allows differentiated treatment of media streams to simultaneously protect privacy and enable service operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The media channel configuration is made dynamic rather than static. The system continuously monitors the state of ongoing media sessions and dynamically adjusts media channel properties (such as silence activation) based on real-time service invocation events. When a digital assistant is invoked during a call, the system dynamically modifies the media channel state to protect privacy, and can dynamically restore or adjust it when the service interaction completes, ensuring both protection and functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein relate to a method performed by a first network node (140) in a wireless communications network (100), for handling media channels during an ongoing media session. The ongoing media session is a session comprising a first UE (120), a second UE (121) and the first network node (140). The first network node (140) obtains, from the first UE (120), a voice instruction comprising a keyword for invoking a third party service within the media session. The first network node (140) further detects the keyword for invoking the third party service within the media session. The first network node (140) modifies, based on the detection of the keyword, a media channel between the first network node (140) and the second UE (121) to be silent. The first network node (140) further modifies, based on the detection of the keyword, a media channel between the first network node (140) and a third party network device (150) to be unsilent. Embodiments herein further relate to a method performed by the second network node (141). The second network node obtains, from the first network node (140), an indication that one or more services are requested from the third party network device (150). The second network node further provides, to the first network node (140), a request to modify the media channel for the second UE (121) to be silent.