Network Slice Lawful Interception via Broker Provisioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The implementation of lawful interception in network slices is challenging due to their isolation and independence, leading to increased complexity and resource inefficiencies, as each slice may require its own mechanism for data interception, which complicates the overall architecture.
Innovation Solution
A broker lawful interception provisioning function (bLIPF) is introduced, connected to a centralized function (LICF) and slice-specific lawful interception provisioning functions (sLIPF), reducing the number of interfaces by providing a single interface for multiple network functions within a network slice, and optionally incorporating slice-specific mediation and delivery functions (sMDF).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each network slice implements its own lawful interception mechanism independently, then each slice can maintain isolation and security, but the overall system complexity increases and resource efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The lawful interception system is segmented into slice-specific LIPFs (sLIPFs) that operate independently within each network slice, maintaining isolation while enabling centralized coordination through the broker LIPF. Each sLIPF handles interception for its specific slice, preserving security boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
A broker LIPF is introduced as an intermediary between the centralized LIPF and multiple sLIPFs. This broker coordinates interception requests across slices, reducing the need for direct interfaces between the centralized function and each individual slice, thereby simplifying the overall architecture.
2Reliability
If each network slice implements its own lawful interception mechanism independently, then each slice can maintain isolation and security, but the number of interfaces and resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The broker LIPF serves multiple functions: it acts as a interface for the centralized LIPF, coordinates with multiple sLIPFs, and manages interception across different slices. This multi-functional component reduces the total number of interfaces needed in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The broker LIPF mediates between the centralized LIPF and numerous sLIPFs, consolidating communication paths. Instead of the centralized LIPF needing direct interfaces with each sLIPF, all communication goes through the broker, significantly reducing interface count.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing lawful interception, LI, in a radio communication system (500) with network slices, NSs, (520, 530, 540). The method comprises: providing a broker LI provisioning function, bLIPF (508) connected to an LI centralized function, LICF, (506), and to at least one slice LI provisioning function, sLIPF, (528, 538, 548) implemented on one of the NSs; receiving an LI target identity, if the LICF determines that a party of a network service provided using a network function, NF, (522, 524, 526, 532, 534, 536, 542, 544, 546) running on the one of the NSs has the LI target identity; and conveying the LI target identity from the bLIPF to the at least one sLIPF, wherein the at least one sLIPF activates a point of interception, POI, (522p, 524p, 526p, 532p, 534p, 536p, 542p, 544p, 546p) associated with or embedded in the NF to intercept data.