ProSe Function Authorization Change Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing ProSe authorization change process in mobile communication networks leads to an increased load on network elements like the Home Subscriber Server (HSS) due to temporary authorization changes, which can impact network performance and processing efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced where the ProSe Function of a visited or local network triggers reauthorization and sends updated authorization information to the ProSe Function of a home network, including an update time limitation indication and/or time information, allowing for temporary or permanent updates, thereby reducing the need for HSS involvement and processing load.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the HSS is involved in processing every ProSe authorization change, then authorization management is centralized and secure, but the processing load on the HSS increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthorization management securityVSAvoidHSS processing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the authorization management function by separating temporary authorization changes from permanent ones. Temporary changes are handled locally by the Visited Network's ProSe Function without HSS involvement, while permanent changes still route through the HSS. This segmentation reduces HSS processing load while maintaining security for critical operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the Visited Network's ProSe Function as an intermediary that handles temporary authorization changes locally. This intermediary acts between the UE and the HSS, processing temporary changes without requiring HSS intervention, thereby reducing the HSS's processing burden while maintaining centralized control for permanent changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If temporary authorization changes are processed through the HSS, then centralized control is maintained, but network processing time and latency increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecentralized controlVSAvoidauthorization processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments authorization changes into temporary and permanent categories. Temporary changes are processed locally by the Visited Network's ProSe Function, reducing processing time, while permanent changes continue to route through the HSS for centralized control. This segmentation optimizes both speed and control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the Visited Network's ProSe Function pre-process temporary authorization changes before they would otherwise reach the HSS. This preliminary handling of temporary changes reduces latency while maintaining centralized oversight for permanent changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If all authorization changes require HSS intervention, then authorization accuracy is ensured, but network element load increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthorization accuracyVSAvoidnetwork element processing capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments authorization changes based on their permanence. Temporary changes are handled by the Visited Network's ProSe Function with sufficient accuracy for their duration, while permanent changes requiring highest accuracy still route through the HSS. This segmentation maintains necessary accuracy while preserving processing capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The Visited Network's ProSe Function serves as an intermediary that handles temporary authorization changes with appropriate accuracy levels. This intermediary reduces the load on the HSS while maintaining sufficient authorization accuracy for temporary changes, reserving HSS resources for permanent changes requiring highest precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3163920B1Method for processing prose service authorization change, first network element and second network element

Publication Date: 2019.12.04 ZTE CORP

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AI summary

The present invention discloses a method for processing an authorization change of a Proximity-based Service (ProSe), a first network element device and a second network element device. Herein, the method includes that: a ProSe server of a visited network or a local network triggers reauthorization of the ProSe; and the ProSe server of the visited network or the local network sends updated authorization information to a ProSe server of a home network, the updated authorization information includes: an update time limitation indication, and/or time information, and/or an authorization type.