Restricted ProSe Discovery Using PDUID Mapping in 5G Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

The implementation of Proximity-based Services (ProSe) in Fifth Generation (5G) New Radio (NR) Systems is lacking clear guidelines, and existing network functions in 5G systems do not support the generation or maintenance of mappings between ProSe Discovery User Equipment (UE) identifiers (PDUID) and Restricted ProSe Application User IDs (RPAUID), hindering efficient direct discovery.

Innovation Solution

A policy control function (PCF) or Direct Discovery Name Management Function (DDNMF) in 5G systems manages the ProSe Discovery User Equipment (UE) identifiers (PDUID) and interacts with ProSe application servers to maintain mappings, enabling authorized direct discovery by generating and managing PDUIDs and RPAUIDs for terminal devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If ProSe functions are implemented in 5G NR systems without specified mapping operations, then network scalability and manageability are improved, but system complexity and implementation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork scalabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a PDUID generation mechanism that can be implemented across different network functions (AMF, SMF, PCF) in the 5G core network. The method provides a universal approach for assigning ProSe identifiers that works regardless of which specific network function performs the assignment, enabling consistent ProSe operation across diverse 5G network configurations and operators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by transforming the UE identifier into a PDUID through specific generation rules. The system changes the identifier parameter from the standard UE ID to a ProSe-specific PDUID format, enabling compatibility with both legacy 4G ProSe operations and future 5G/6G networks without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If multiple ProSe functions are deployed in the same PLMN for load reasons, then service availability and reliability are improved, but management complexity and operational difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice availabilityVSAvoidmanagement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the ProSe function responsibilities across multiple network functions (AMF, SMF, PCF) within the same PLMN. Each network function can independently generate and manage PDUIDs, allowing load distribution while maintaining consistent ProSe service operation. This segmentation enables high availability through functional redundancy without proportionally increasing management complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the PDUID as an intermediary identifier that mediates between multiple ProSe functions and the terminal device. The PDUID serves as a common reference point that all network functions can use to identify and manage ProSe sessions, simplifying coordination between multiple functions and reducing operational complexity despite the distributed architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If PDUID is generated based on UE ID using known operations, then transition from 4G LTE to 5G NR is simplified, but identifier uniqueness and security requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransition simplicityVSAvoididentifier uniqueness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies copying by deriving the PDUID from the existing UE identifier through a generation method that leverages known 4G LTE operations. The UE ID is transformed into a PDUID that maintains the uniqueness properties required for ProSe while being compatible with both legacy and future network generations, simplifying the transition path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses preliminary action by pre-establishing the PDUID generation rules and mapping mechanisms before deploying 5G NR networks. The methods prepare the identifier management framework in advance, allowing networks to inherit and extend 4G ProSe operations rather than building from scratch, thereby maintaining identifier uniqueness while simplifying the transition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12634807B2Method and system to support restricted proximity-based services (ProSe) direct discovery based on UE identifier (UE ID)

Publication Date: 2026.05.19 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

Methods, systems, and Instructions are disclosed to support restricted Proximity-based Services (ProSe) direct discovery in a wireless network. In one embodiment, a method is performed by a first network function (NF), where a terminal device communicates with another terminal device based on the restricted ProSe direct discovery. The wireless network is to assign one ProSe Discovery user equipment (UE) identifier (PDUID) to the terminal device to identify the terminal device in the restricted ProSe direct discovery. The method comprises receiving a request message including a UE identifier (UE ID), where the UE ID uniquely identifies the UE in the wireless network; generating a ProSe Discovery user equipment (UE) identifier (PDUID) for the UE ID based on the UE ID; and transmitting a PDUID information message to a second NF, where the PDUID information message comprises the PDUID and a validity timer.