NTN Location Verification Using Terrestrial Cell Identifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-terrestrial networks face challenges in reliably verifying the location of user equipment due to the unreliability of tracking area identities generated by user equipment, which can lead to unauthorized access in multi-country satellite coverage scenarios, necessitating credible location verification for information security and regulatory compliance.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing terrestrial network cell identifiers, such as cell global identifiers, to enhance location verification in non-terrestrial networks by ensuring accurate representation of user equipment location, thereby improving the reliability of location verification processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If tracking area identities generated by user equipment are used for location verification in non-terrestrial networks, then the location verification process can be simplified, but the reliability of location verification deteriorates due to potential unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces tracking area identities generated by the access network device as an intermediary element between the user equipment and the location verification system. This mediator provides credible location information that the network can trust, resolving the contradiction between simplified verification process and reliable verification results. The tracking area identity acts as a certified indicator of user equipment location that maintains both simplicity and reliability.
2Reliability
If terrestrial network cell identifiers are used for location verification in non-terrestrial networks, then location verification reliability is improved, but the device complexity and information processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using tracking area identities that serve multiple functions: they identify the serving cell in terrestrial networks, indicates user equipment location for NTN verification, and provide regulatory compliance information. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain reliability while avoiding the complexity of entirely separate verification mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter being verified from generic tracking area identities to specific terrestrial network cell identifiers (such as cell global identifiers). This parameter change enhances the precision and reliability of location verification by using more specific and trustworthy identification parameters that uniquely identify the serving cell.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for processing information, the method includes: a first core network device receiving a terrestrial network (TN) cell identifier transmitted by a second core network device or a TN access network device, where the TN cell identifier: indicates a location of user equipment (UE), identification information of a cell used by the UE in a case of access through a TN, and is configured for the first core network device to perform location verification on the UE when accessing through a non-terrestrial network (NTN).