Protected Consent Signaling for Edge Network Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cellular networks lack a secure mechanism to obtain user consent before accessing UE location information, which is crucial for establishing connections to edge computing services, potentially exposing sensitive data to unauthorized entities.
Innovation Solution
Implementing processors configured to receive and transmit user consent indications securely within protected messages during network operations, utilizing initial registration, configuration update, and PDU session establishment procedures to ensure authorized access to UE location information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the network accesses UE location information to establish edge computing connections, then connection establishment efficiency is improved, but user privacy security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by obtaining user consent for location information access before the network actually accesses the UE location information. The consent is obtained during registration or configuration update procedures, prior to PDU session establishment. This ensures that connection establishment can proceed efficiently once consent is granted, while user privacy is protected through advance authorization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a consent management system that mediates between the user's privacy rights and the network's need for location information. The AMF acts as an intermediary by receiving, storing, and managing user consent indications, then providing location information to other network functions only when consent is present. This intermediary layer protects user privacy while enabling efficient connection establishment.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If user consent is obtained before accessing UE location information, then user privacy security is improved, but network operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the consent management functionality with existing network procedures by integrating consent indication transmission into the registration and configuration update procedures. Instead of creating separate consent management workflows, the consent indication is combined with existing signaling messages, reducing overall network operation complexity while still providing robust privacy protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling users to directly provide consent indications to the network through their UE devices. The UE itself manages the consent state and includes it in signaling messages to the AMF, eliminating the need for complex external consent management systems. This self-service approach simplifies network operations while maintaining strong user privacy controls.
Data Source
AI summary
A network receives an indication of user consent from a user equipment (UE) to access UE information for the purposes of edge computing. The network receives an indication of user consent from a UE, the user consent corresponding to a network function acquiring UE information, receives the UE information and performs operations related to establishing a connection between the UE and an edge data network.