P-CSCF Interworking for Standalone NPN IMS Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions fail to efficiently enable users in stand-alone non-public networks (NPNs) to utilize Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) services without complicating identity management and provisioning of IMS credentials.
Innovation Solution
A method implemented in a proxy-call session control function (P-CSCF) node that receives an IMS registration request from NPN user equipment, obtains an IMS identifier associated with the NPN identifier, and registers the NPN user in the IMS network, allowing for individual IMS registration separate from wildcarded IMS Public User Identity, without requiring additional provisioning in the NPN UE device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If IMS credentials are provisioned in every NPN user device and separate IMS registration is implemented for every NPN user, then NPN users can access IMS services individually, but device complexity increases (requiring multiple USIMs) and identity management becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The P-CSCF node acts as an intermediary between the NPN UE and the IMS network. It performs wildcarded IMS registration on behalf of multiple NPN users and dynamically allocates individual IMPUs, eliminating the need for each user to have separate IMS credentials provisioned in their devices. The P-CSCF mediates the registration process by receiving individual IMS registration requests from NPN UEs and handling the allocation and management of IMPUs centrally.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing NPN UEs to autonomously initiate IMS registration requests using their NPN identifiers without requiring pre-provisioned IMS credentials. The P-CSCF automatically processes these requests, performs the necessary wildcarded registration, and allocates appropriate IMPUs, making the entire IMS service access process self-configuring and eliminating manual credential provisioning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate IMS registration is implemented for every NPN user, then individual IMS service access is enabled, but provisioning complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The P-CSCF serves as a central intermediary that simplifies provisioning by handling all IMS registration operations. Instead of requiring complex provisioning systems to pre-configure each NPN user with IMS credentials, the P-CSCF receives simple NPN identifier-based registration requests and automatically performs the complex tasks of wildcarded registration and IMPU allocation, dramatically reducing provisioning complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary wildcarded IMS registration at the P-CSCF level before individual user access is needed. This preliminary action establishes the foundation for individual IMPU allocation, allowing NPN users to access IMS services immediately upon registration without requiring complex real-time provisioning operations.
3Ease of operation
If wildcarded IMPU registration is used for NPN domain, then simplified registration is achieved, but individual IMS service access and identity management become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The solution segments the registration process into two distinct phases: first, wildcarded IMPU registration at the P-CSCF for simplified initial access, and second, dynamic allocation of individual IMPUs to specific NPN users. This segmentation maintains the simplicity of wildcarded registration while enabling individual identity management through the P-CSCF's ability to allocate and track unique IMPUs for each user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a new dimension to wildcarded registration by implementing hierarchical identity management. The P-CSCF maintains both the wildcarded IMPU registration (providing simplified access) and individual IMPU allocations (enabling specific identity management) simultaneously, allowing the system to operate at multiple identity levels without compromising either simplicity or individuality.
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatuses and methods for interworking standalone NPN-IMS are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method implemented in a proxy-call session control function (P-CSCF) node includes receiving, from a non-public network, NPN, user equipment, UE, an Internet Protocol, IP, Multimedia Subsystem, IMS, registration request, the IMS registration request including an NPN identifier associated with the NPN UE; and as a result of receipt of the IMS registration request, at least one of obtaining and using an IMS identifier associated with the NPN identifier of the NPN UE to register the NPN UE in an IMS network. In one embodiment, a method implemented in a non-public network (NPN) user equipment (UE) includes sending an IMS registration request, the IMS registration request including an NPN identifier associated with the NPN UE and the IMS registration request being for an individual IMS registration of the UE.