Network Slice Assignment for Lost Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile radio networks lack an effective mechanism to manage communication devices that are lost or stolen, as they rely on subscriber identity modules (SIM cards) that can be misplaced or compromised, leading to security and service access issues.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method within 5G mobile networks to dynamically assign communication devices to different network slices, where a first slice enables normal communication and a second slice, triggered by a loss report, blocks the device, notifies the owner, or establishes a connection to the owner's number, thereby managing lost or stolen devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a communication device is lost or stolen, then the owner loses access to their device and subscriber profile, but the device can still be used to access the mobile network causing security risks
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile network is segmented into multiple network slices, with normal service provided through a first network slice and lost device management handled through a second network slice. This segmentation allows the network to provide different services to the same communication device based on its operational state, enabling secure handling of lost devices while maintaining normal service for legitimate users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring a second network slice for lost device management before a device is actually lost. When a device is reported lost, the system can immediately redirect traffic to the pre-prepared second network slice, enabling rapid response without requiring complex real-time reconfiguration or manual intervention.
2Reliability
If traditional tracking services are used for lost devices, then location information can be obtained, but the device can still access the network and subscriber profile can be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The second network slice acts as an intermediary between the lost device and the core network services. It provides a controlled environment where the device can be tracked and monitored without granting full access to the subscriber profile and network services. This intermediary layer enables security measures to be implemented while maintaining the ability to communicate with the device.
3Reliability
If the device is immediately blocked upon loss report, then network security is improved, but the ability to track and recover the device is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different quality levels of network service are provided to different parts of the system based on the device's operational state. The lost device receives a specialized service quality through the second network slice that balances security requirements with recovery capabilities, while other devices continue to receive normal service quality through the first network slice.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to methods and devices for operating a mobile communication network. The method for operating a mobile communication network (320) comprises: assigning a communication device (301) to a first subnetwork (321a) of the mobile communication network (320), wherein the communication device (301) comprises a communication profile for establishing a communication connection to the mobile communication network (320); and, in response to a notification that the communication device (301) has been lost, assigning the communication device (301) to a second subnetwork (321b) of the mobile communication network (320).