Personal Network Authorization via PNMF for SIM-Less 5G Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in managing personal networks of devices without SIM cards or subscriptions, particularly in creating and securely accessing these networks remotely, due to varying configurations and security mechanisms, and lack of defined user identity provisioning for non-3GPP devices.
Innovation Solution
A personal network management function (PNMF) is introduced to handle user identity provisioning and network management, enabling devices to access the 5G network through a new network function that provides user identifiers and policies for creating and managing personal networks, including non-3GPP devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If devices without SIM cards or subscriptions are allowed to access the network, then device connectivity and network accessibility are improved, but network security and device management complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Personal Network Management Function (PNMF) as an intermediary between devices without SIM cards and the 5G core network. The PNMF provisions temporary user identities and manages personal network policies, enabling devices to access the network securely without traditional SIM cards. This mediator handles authentication and authorization, maintaining network security while enabling device connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes network parameters by provisioning temporary user identifiers and policies specifically for personal networks. The PNMF assigns unique user identities to devices without SIM cards and configures appropriate access rights and policies, allowing these devices to operate securely on the 5G network with modified authentication parameters.
2Extent of automation
If user identity provisioning is implemented for non-3GPP devices, then network management capability is improved, but system complexity and configuration overhead worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The PNMF serves multiple functions within a single network element: it provisions user identities, manages personal network policies, authenticates devices without SIM cards, and coordinates with the 5G core network. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems, reducing overall complexity while maintaining comprehensive network management capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If personal networks are created with multiple devices, then network functionality and user capability are improved, but security configuration and access management complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service personal network creation where the PNMF automatically provisions user identities and configures security policies when a personal network is established. Users don't need to manually configure security settings for each device; the system automatically manages authentication and authorization, reducing operational complexity while maintaining robust security for multi-device networks.
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.