Personal Network Management Function for Non-3GPP 5G Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems struggle with managing personal networks of devices without SIM cards or subscriptions, particularly in 5G networks, due to varying configurations, security issues, and limited remote access capabilities, especially for non-3GPP devices.
Innovation Solution
A Personal Network Management Function (PNMF) is introduced to manage user identities and network configurations, enabling devices to access 5G networks through user identity provisioning and policy management, allowing for secure, end-to-end communication within personal networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If personal networks are created for devices without SIM cards or subscriptions, then device connectivity and network access are improved, but security risks and configuration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Personal Network Management Function (PNMF) as an intermediary entity between devices and the 5G core network. The PNMF manages user identities, device profiles, and network configurations, allowing devices without SIM cards to access the network through shared user identities while centralizing security and configuration management to reduce complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables a single user identity to be shared across multiple devices, allowing one subscription to provide network access for multiple devices including those without SIM cards. This multi-functional approach allows the same identity to serve multiple devices while the PNMF handles the complexity of managing these relationships
2Adaptability or versatility
If personal networks are created for devices without SIM cards or subscriptions, then device connectivity is improved, but security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The PNMF acts as a security intermediary that manages user identities and device authentication. It establishes secure relationships between devices and the core network, implementing security policies and managing device profiles to ensure reliable and secure connectivity for devices without traditional SIM cards
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the PNMF continuously monitors and manages device connections, user identities, and security policies. This allows dynamic security management and ensures that devices maintain secure connections while accessing the network
3Adaptability or versatility
If user identities are shared across multiple devices, then network access for non-3GPP devices is improved, but identity management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The PNMF serves as a dedicated intermediary for identity management, handling the complexity of provisioning, storing, and managing user identities across multiple devices. This allows non-3GPP devices to access the network using shared identities while the PNMF manages the underlying complexity of identity relationships and device profiles
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless transmit/receive unit may request, from a core network, authorization for creating one or more personal networks of one or more devices. After being granted authorization, the UE may be enabled to create a personal network and to cause a PDU session for the personal network to be established with the core network. The UE may enable members of the personal network to send data associated with the personal network via the PDU session.