Network Slice Connection Authentication for Terminal Applications

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 5G network security mechanisms do not adequately guarantee the security of upper-layer applications accessing and using network slices, leading to risks of fraudulent use or interference by non-compliant terminal applications.

Innovation Solution

A method for managing network slice connections that involves obtaining connection request information from terminal applications, performing an authentication process, and only allowing compliant terminal applications to connect to the network slice based on the connection request information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If authentication process is performed on terminal applications, then security of network slice connections is improved, but device complexity and processing overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of network slice connectionsVSAvoidcomplexity of authentication mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs authentication on terminal applications before allowing them to access network slices. The authentication process verifies application identities and permissions in advance, ensuring that only authorized applications can establish connections. This preliminary security check prevents unauthorized access while maintaining network slice isolation and security requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If authentication process is performed on terminal applications, then security of network slice connections is improved, but processing time and system overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of network slice connectionsVSAvoidconnection establishment time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication process is integrated into the connection establishment workflow, performing verification steps before the actual network slice connection is created. By completing authentication preliminarily, the system avoids repeated security checks during connection maintenance, reducing overall processing time while ensuring security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If authentication process is performed on terminal applications, then security guarantee of upper-layer applications is improved, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity guarantee of upper-layer applicationsVSAvoidease of application connection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication mechanism operates transparently in the background, automatically verifying terminal application credentials without requiring user intervention. The system handles authentication credentials, verification processes, and connection authorization automatically, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring security compliance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12284513B2Method for managing network slice connection, terminal and computer-readable storage medium

Publication Date: 2025.04.22 ZTE CORP

AI summary

Provided are a method for managing network slice connection, a terminal and a computer-readable storage medium. The method for managing network slice connection includes: obtaining connection request information transmitted by a terminal application in a case where the terminal application initiates a network slice connection request; performing an authentication process on the terminal application initiating the network slice connection request; and in response to the terminal application passing the authentication process, enabling the terminal application to connect to a network slice according to the connection request information.